Utto was an 8th-century Benedictine monk who served as the inaugural abbot of Metten Abbey in Bavaria. Born in Milan, he likely lived as a monk at Reichenau before being sent to help establish the Bavarian settlement. Tradition suggests he was the godson of Gamelbert, the landowner who founded the abbey around 766. Historical records from the late 8th century confirm his leadership role within the Benedictine order during this formative period of the monastery.
Life and legend
Historical documents place Utto as a leader of the community at Metten, appearing in medieval registers from Dingolfing and Salzburg. Local legends offer a different account, claiming he was a hermit who encountered Charlemagne during a hunt. According to this folklore, the emperor founded the abbey in honor of Saint Michael following a request from the pious hermit.
Veneration and relics
The abbot is commemorated on October 3. Metten Abbey preserves a medieval crosier believed to be his staff, featuring a walrus tooth crook carved into a dragon and a lamb. An inscription on a bronze band of the staff mentions Utto, linking the object to his memory. A small church, Uttobrunn, was built in the 17th century to mark the site of his legendary meeting with the emperor.