Fulda

The abbey was founded in 744 by Sturmi at the direction of Boniface, whose body was brought here after his death in 754 and buried in the church; the grave made Fulda a pilgrimage and political centre. The present cathedral, built 1704 to 1712 by Johann Dientzenhofer on the model of St Peter's in Rome, stands over the crypt with the tomb. Beside it, the Michaelskirche of 822 survives, a small round church built as a burial chapel with a Carolingian crypt on a single column. The prince-abbots' baroque palace faces the cathedral across a square, with orangery and gardens behind.

What you'll find

• The Boniface crypt - the tomb beneath the baroque cathedral.
• The Michaelskirche - a round Carolingian church of 822 beside it.
• The prince-abbots' palace - a baroque residence with state rooms.
• The baroque quarter - a planned district around the cathedral square.

When to go

April to October; the cathedral closes during services. Boniface's feast in early June brings processions. Museums close Mondays.

Good to know

The Michaelskirche has short opening hours. The palace interiors are guided in part. The modern city around the baroque quarter is ordinary.

Nearby

The Rhön highlands rise east; Kassel is north.

Key facts