Cistercian Abbey Basilica, Rein Abbey
Rein Abbey is a Cistercian monastery located in Rein, Austria, renowned as the "Cradle of Styria" and the world's oldest continuously existing Cistercian community. Its basilica, originally Romanesque, has undergone significant Baroque renovations and holds historical importance as the site of the Rein Oath, a pivotal moment in Habsburg ascendancy. It was elevated to the status of a basilica minor in 1979.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1129 by Margrave Leopold the Strong of Styria, it is the 38th Cistercian monastery established, making it the oldest surviving community.
- ›The abbey church and conventual buildings have Romanesque origins, with significant Baroque refurbishments undertaken between 1738 and 1747.
- ›It was the site of the Rein Oath in 1276, where the Styrian and Carinthian nobility pledged allegiance to Rudolf of Habsburg.
- ›The Gothic Chapel of the Cross, built between 1406 and 1409, commemorates Saint Eberhard of Salzburg.
- ›The abbey church was elevated to a basilica minor by Pope John Paul II in 1979.
- ›The abbey library houses over 100,000 items, including a 13th-century fragment of Parzival.
Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic
Cistercians
BartholomäUs Di Bosio, Johann Georg Stengg
About Cistercian Abbey Basilica, Rein Abbey
Rein Abbey Basilica
Cistercian Abbey Basilica, Rein Abbey, also known as Stift Rein, is a historically significant monastery located in Rein, near Gratwein, Styria, Austria. It is famously recognized as the "Cradle of Styria" and holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously existing Cistercian community, founded in 1129.
History and Significance
The abbey was established by Margrave Leopold the Strong of Styria, with monks arriving from Ebrach Abbey in Bavaria. It has remained a Cistercian community on its original site, weathering historical challenges including confiscation by the Nazis during World War II. Rein Abbey served as the mother house for other abbeys, including Wilhering, Stična, and Neukloster. A pivotal historical event, the Rein Oath, took place here on September 19, 1276, when the Styrian and Carinthian nobility pledged allegiance to Rudolf of Habsburg, King of the Romans, thereby solidifying Habsburg rule in Austria.
Architecture and Renovations
The original abbey church and conventual buildings exhibit Romanesque architectural origins. Significant expansions to the conventual buildings, including the Neues Konvent with its Renaissance arcading, were carried out between 1629 and 1632 by architect Bartholomäus di Bosio. Under Abbot Placidus Mailly, the church underwent a major refurbishment in the Baroque style between 1738 and 1747, with work overseen by court builder Johann Georg Stengg. The Baroque choir chapel features frescoes by Josef Adam von Mölk from 1766 and a high altar painting by Martin Johann Schmidt from 1779. The Gothic Chapel of the Cross, constructed between 1406 and 1409, commemorates Saint Eberhard of Salzburg.
Religious Status and Notable Features
Since 1786, the abbey church has also served as the local parish church. In recognition of its importance, it was elevated to the status of a basilica minor by Pope John Paul II in 1979. Archaeological excavations in 2006 uncovered foundations of the former Romanesque chapter house and graves, including that of the founder, Margrave Leopold I of Styria. The abbey library is extensive, containing over 100,000 items, including rare manuscripts and incunabula. Other notable features include the abbots' gallery, St. Ulrich's church, and the tombs of historical figures like Margrave Ottakar III of Styria and Ernest, Duke of Austria.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Rein Abbey founded?
Rein Abbey was founded in 1129 by Margrave Leopold the Strong of Styria. It was settled by monks from Ebrach Abbey in Bavaria.
What is the architectural style of Rein Abbey?
The abbey church and conventual buildings are of Romanesque origin. Significant alterations were made in the 17th century in the Renaissance style, and the church was extensively refurbished in Baroque style between 1738 and 1747.
Why is Rein Abbey historically significant?
Rein Abbey is known as the "Cradle of Styria" and is the world's oldest continuously existing Cistercian community. It was also the site of the Rein Oath in 1276, a crucial event in the establishment of Habsburg rule in Austria.
What notable relics or features are found at Rein Abbey?
Notable features include the abbots' gallery with portraits dating back to 1129, St. Ulrich's church, the tomb of Margrave Ottakar III of Styria, and the monument of Ernest, Duke of Austria. The Gothic Chapel of the Cross commemorates Saint Eberhard of Salzburg.
When was Rein Abbey designated a basilica minor?
The abbey church was elevated to a basilica minor by Pope John Paul II in 1979.
What is the significance of the Rein Oath?
The Rein Oath, occurring on September 19, 1276, was when the Styrian and Carinthian nobility pledged allegiance to Rudolf of Habsburg, King of the Romans. This event furthered the Habsburgs' establishment as rulers of Austria and marked the end of King Ottokar II of Bohemia's rule.
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