Hildegard's spiritual guide

Jutta von Sponheim (c. 1090–1136) was a German abbess and an important religious figure in the early life of Hildegard von Bingen. Jutta was Hildegard's mentor during her formative years at Disibodenberg Abbey, where Hildegard would go on to experience her mystical visions and eventually become a renowned abbess herself. Jutta entered Disibodenberg Abbey at a young age, possibly around the time when she was in her late teens. She became a nun and eventually became the abbess of the small female community that existed at the abbey. As an abbess, Jutta was a spiritual leader who cultivated a life of asceticism, prayer, and meditation.

On my way to Burgsponheim and abbey Sponheim I encountered my first wildlife on this hike. It was also the last encounter. Autumn colours were in full force, and lightened up the grey and hazy day. Sponheim Castle (Burgsponheim) was the ancestral seat of the Sponheim family and a center of their power. The castle was built around the 11th century and served as the family’s primary stronghold.

Nice mural in Burgsponheim

Sponheim Abbey

Dalberg Castle, like many castles in the region, was originally built as a fortified residence. The exact date of its construction is difficult to pinpoint, but it is believed to date back to at least the 12th century.

The town of Spabrücken dates back to the 12th century and belonged to the lordship of Dalberg.  The Franciscan order resurrected the pilgrimage and a monastery was founded here to provide ecclesiastical care for the pilgrims and surrounding communities.