Ås Abbey
Christian·Sweden·Ruins (under manor house)·12th century
Ås Abbey was a significant Cistercian monastery established in 1192, becoming the first, largest, and wealthiest in the Halland region. It played a notable role in medieval Scandinavia, with royal connections and burials of Swedish royalty. The abbey ceased operation in the early 16th century, and its buildings were destroyed during the Count's Feud in 1535, with its site now occupied by the manor house Åsklosters kungsgård.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1192 and settled in 1194 by monks from Sorø Abbey.
- ›Was the first, largest, and wealthiest Cistercian monastery in Halland.
- ›Received land from King Valdemar II and eventually owned approximately 250 farms and estates.
- ›Two children of King Magnus Eriksson and Queen Blanka of Namur were buried at the abbey.
- ›Destroyed in 1535 during the Count's Feud, with no visible ruins remaining.
- ›Underground archaeological surveys in 2009-2010 revealed parts of the monastery's structure.
- Underground Archaeological Remains
- Site Now Occupied By åSklosters KungsgåRd Manor House
åS Kloster, Asylum
King Valdemar Ii, King Magnus Eriksson, Queen Blanka of Namur, Carl HåRleman
Founded In 1192, Settled In 1194, Destroyed During the Count's Feud In 1535
About Ås Abbey
Ås Abbey, also known in Latin as Asylum, was a prominent Cistercian monastery founded in 1192 near the present-day village of Åskloster in Halland, a region formerly part of Denmark but now within Sweden. It was established by a community migrating from its mother house, Sorø Abbey, in 1194. The abbey quickly rose to prominence, becoming the first, largest, and wealthiest monastery in Halland.
History and Significance
The abbey's foundation was supported by royal endowments; King Valdemar II granted the new monastery the royal farm of Ås, and it eventually accrued ownership of approximately 250 farms and estates. This extensive landholding contributed to its considerable wealth and influence. Ås Abbey also held significant prestige, as evidenced by the burial of two or three children of King Magnus Eriksson of Sweden and his queen, Blanka of Namur, within its grounds.
The monastery's active history concluded in the early 16th century. During the Count's Feud in 1535, the buildings were destroyed. Today, there are no visible ruins of Ås Abbey above ground; the site is occupied by the manor house Åsklosters kungsgård, which was constructed between 1806 and 1813 based on plans by Carl Hårleman. Archaeological surveys conducted in 2009–2010 and 2011 revealed underground remains, including parts of the monastery's eastern wing and a 13th–14th-century extension, confirming its historical location.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ås Abbey founded?
Ås Abbey was founded as a Cistercian monastery in 1192. It was settled by a community from its mother house, Sorø Abbey, in 1194.
What is the current status of Ås Abbey?
Ås Abbey no longer exists as an active monastery. Its buildings were destroyed in 1535, and the site is now covered by the manor house Åsklosters kungsgård. Archaeological surveys have identified underground remains of the original monastery.
What was the significance of Ås Abbey?
Ås Abbey was the first, largest, and richest monastery in Halland. It held considerable prestige, evidenced by the burial of royal children from Sweden within its grounds. The abbey also accumulated extensive landholdings.
Where was Ås Abbey located?
Ås Abbey was situated near the present-day village of Åskloster, approximately 14 kilometers north of Varberg in what is now Sweden. It was located near the mouth of the River Viskan into the Kattegat.
Are there any visible ruins of Ås Abbey?
No, there are no visible ruins of Ås Abbey above ground. The site is buried under the manor house Åsklosters kungsgård, which was built between 1806 and 1813. Archaeological excavations have uncovered underground remnants.
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