Having been constructed in diverse styles over the course of many centuries, the buildings of the monastery preserve the messages of different ages, and yet still give the impression of an harmonious unity. The artifacts that can still be seen today obtain a unique radiance due to the fact that they are being used in accordance with their original function by a living monastic community. Though the monastery is open to the public, there are nevertheless places where only the members of the monastic community are allowed to enter. Here everything seeks to serve the purpose that the centuries-old Benedictine way of life may still be nurtured by silence and prayer.