Museum am Strom, Bingen am Rhein

Views of Rupertsberg Monastery through the centuries

Hildegard of Bingen

Hildegard was born in 1098 to noble parents in the midst of a major turning point in European history. Her father was probably the lord of Bermersheim and Niederhosenbach. This noble birth would be an important prerequisite for Hildegard's successful work throughout her life. It was also the basis of her strong sense of class. Hildegard grew up in an area rich in history and culture. Even in her earliest childhood, Hildegard showed her special talent. She reports of perceptions that others cannot see and how she kept such experiences to herself for fear of being rejected. From a young age, Hildegard also suffered from frequent illnesses and physical weakness. Hildegard was destined for a religious life from a young age. She was only eight years old when she was entrusted to a spiritual education along with her friend Jutta von Sponheim. For the next six years, her tracks are lost. We do not know if the girls were already living together at the time or if Hildegard was still with her family. In any case, the relationship with the charismatic Jutta became a formative experience for the young Hildegard. This was even more so since Jutta moved with Hildegard and another girl to a women's cloister at the new monastery of Disibodenberg in 1122. In this cloister, Hildegard could develop her talent as a visionary and writer. She began to write and illustrate her visions. In 1141, Hildegard received a vision in which a man named Volmar was ordered to help her in her visions and to edit her writings. With Volmar's help, a vast work was created that includes theology, natural science, medicine, and music. Hildegard's works were read and discussed throughout Europe. She was one of the most important women in European history.

Origin, family, childhood

1098 Hildegard von Bingen, daughter of noble parents, is born. Father: presumably Lord of Bermersheim and Niederhosenbach. Origin: an ancient cultural landscape between the Rhine, Nahe, and Hunsrück with Roman heritage and openness to trade. Displays special talent from early childhood. Visions that remain invisible to those around her. Terrible experiences that she keeps to herself out of fear of rejection. Illnesses and physical frailty from a young age. Life dedicated to God intended. At the age of eight, given into monastic education along with Jutta von Sponheim.

Digital reconstruction of the Rupertsberg monastery

Image film about the Museums am Strom

Information about plants

Paintings

Hildegard von Bingen - Musikstück

Hildegarten Tour

Tour across the Disibodenberg