St Florian's Priory Basilica
Austria·Sankt Florian
St. Florian's Priory Basilica is a significant Augustinian monastery located in Sankt Florian, Austria. Founded in the early ninth century and refounded in the eleventh, it is one of the largest monasteries in Upper Austria and a prime example of Baroque architecture. The basilica is renowned for housing the tomb of Saint Florian and being the burial place of composer Anton Bruckner, who previously served as organist there.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the early ninth century and refounded by Augustinian Canons in 1071.
- ›Reconstructed in Baroque style between 1686 and 1708 by Carlo Antonio Carlone, with contributions from Jakob Prandtauer and Bartolomeo Altomonte.
- ›Elevated to the status of a basilica minor in 1999, dedicated to Saint Florian and Saint Augustine.
- ›Houses the "Bruckner organ," a large instrument played by Anton Bruckner, who is buried beneath it.
- ›The monastery complex includes a library with approximately 130,000 items and a gallery with notable artworks.
- ›The Gestapo seized the facility in 1941, but the canons returned after the end of World War II.
Baroque
Saint Florian, Saint Augustine
Grave of Saint Florian
Augustinian Canons
Carlo Antonio Carlone, Jakob Prandtauer, Johann Gotthard Hayberger
About St Florian's Priory Basilica
St. Florian's Priory Basilica
St. Florian's Priory Basilica, located in Sankt Florian, Austria, is a historically significant Augustinian monastery and a prominent example of Baroque architecture. Founded in the early ninth century and re-established by Augustinian Canons in 1071, it ranks as the largest monastery in Upper Austria and is recognized for its impressive scale and artistic merit.
History and Architecture
The monastery complex underwent a substantial reconstruction in the Baroque style between 1686 and 1708, primarily under the direction of Carlo Antonio Carlone, with later contributions from Jakob Prandtauer. This extensive renovation resulted in the grand edifice that stands today, considered a masterpiece of Baroque design. The canons' church within the complex was elevated to the status of a basilica minor in 1999. The library wing, construction of which began in 1744 under Johann Gotthard Hayberger, houses a vast collection of approximately 130,000 items, including numerous manuscripts.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The basilica is dedicated to Saint Florian, a Roman soldier martyred in the early 4th century, whose grave is believed to lie beneath the monastery. It also honors Saint Augustine. A notable feature of the basilica is the "Bruckner organ," a grand instrument that was played by the renowned composer Anton Bruckner during his time as organist at the monastery from 1848 to 1855. Bruckner himself is buried beneath this organ within the church, adding a layer of musical history to the site. The St. Florian Boys Choir, founded in 1071, continues to be an integral part of the monastic worship and performs internationally.
Historical Events
During World War II, St. Florian's Priory faced significant disruption when the Gestapo seized the facility in January 1941 and expelled the monks. The premises were subsequently used by the Reichsrundfunkgesellschaft (Radio Society of the Third Reich). Following the end of the war, the Augustinian Canons returned to their monastery.
Notable Features
- The "Bruckner Organ": A large and historically significant organ played by composer Anton Bruckner.
- Anton Bruckner's Tomb: Located beneath the "Bruckner organ" in the basilica.
- Library: Contains approximately 130,000 items, including manuscripts and artworks.
- Upper Austrian Fire Brigade Museum: Also housed within the monastery premises.
St. Florian's Priory Basilica remains an active religious site and a significant cultural and architectural landmark in Austria.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Florian's Priory Basilica founded?
The monastery, which includes the basilica, was founded in the early ninth century. It has been home to Augustinian Canons since 1071, making it one of the oldest continually operating Augustinian monasteries.
What is the architectural style of St. Florian's Priory Basilica?
The monastery complex, including the basilica, was significantly reconstructed in Baroque style between 1686 and 1708. It is considered one of the most impressive examples of Baroque architecture in Austria.
Who is buried in St. Florian's Priory Basilica?
The composer and organist Anton Bruckner, who was a choirboy and later organist at the monastery, is buried beneath the "Bruckner organ" inside the church.
What is the significance of the "Bruckner organ"?
The "Bruckner organ" is a large, impressive instrument within St. Florian's Priory Basilica. It is named after Anton Bruckner, who played it during his tenure as organist at the monastery from 1848 to 1855.
When was the church at St. Florian's Priory elevated to basilica minor status?
The canons' church at St. Florian's Priory was elevated to a basilica minor in 1999. It is dedicated to Saint Florian and Saint Augustine.
What historical events occurred at St. Florian's Priory during World War II?
In January 1941, the Gestapo seized the monastery and expelled the monks. From 1942, the Reichsrundfunkgesellschaft (Radio Society of the Third Reich) operated from the premises until the canons returned after the war.
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