In 724 Saint Pirmin founded Germany's first Benedictine abbey on the island of Reichenau. It was the font of an artistic and scientific movement influential for several centuries and during the Ottonian period produced some remarkable illuminated manuscripts. The three churches, typical of 9C to 11C monastic architecture, are the principal attractions, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walls bear the delicate frescoes of the Ottonian period.