Gaming Charterhouse
Christian·Austria·Former monastery, now a mixed-use site with hotel, university, and museum·14th century
Gaming Charterhouse, also known as Kartause Maria Thron, is a former Carthusian monastery in Lower Austria. Founded in 1330 by Albert II, Duke of Austria, as a dynastic burial place, it was initially established with a larger community than typical for Carthusian houses. Dissolved in the late 18th century, the monastery complex has since undergone extensive restoration and now houses a hotel, a university campus, and a museum dedicated to its history.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1330 by Albert II, Duke of Austria, as a dynastic burial site.
- ›The initial community consisted of 24 monks, double the usual number for a Carthusian monastery.
- ›Received significant endowments from its founder, including land and the town of Scheibbs.
- ›Dissolved in 1782 during the reforms of Emperor Joseph II.
- ›The premises were purchased and began restoration in 1983 by architect Walter Hildebrand.
- ›Currently houses a hotel, Franciscan University of Steubenville, and a museum.
- Dynastic Burial Place of Albert Ii, Duke of Austria, and His Family
- Museum of Gaming Charterhouse and Carthusian History
- Greek Catholic Chapel
Kartause Gaming, Kartause Maria Thron
Albert Ii, Duke of Austria, Joanna of Pfirt, Elisabeth of Bohemia, Walter Hildebrand
Founded In 1330, Burial of Founder Albert Ii In 1358, Dissolved In 1782, Purchase and Restoration Began In 1983
About Gaming Charterhouse
Gaming Charterhouse, known in German as Kartause Gaming and also referred to as Kartause Maria Thron, is a significant former Carthusian monastery located in Gaming, near Scheibbs, within the Mostviertel region of Lower Austria. Its establishment in 1330 by Albert II, Duke of Austria, marked it as a site intended for dynastic burials. Albert II himself, along with his wife Joanna of Pfirt and daughter-in-law Elisabeth of Bohemia, were interred within its grounds.
From its inception, Gaming Charterhouse was endowed with considerable generosity by its founder. Albert II provided extensive lands in the Erlauf valley and granted the town and market of Scheibbs to the monastery. The initial monastic community was also established on a larger scale than typical for the Carthusians, comprising a double complement of 24 monks rather than the usual 12, and the architectural plans from the outset reflected this ambitious size.
The monastery's history as a religious institution concluded in 1782 when it was dissolved during the ecclesiastical reforms enacted by Emperor Joseph II. Following the dissolution, the remains of the founding family were transferred to the local parish church in 1797, and by 1825, the monastery and its associated estates had passed into private ownership. A significant turning point in its modern history occurred in 1983 when the premises were acquired by Austrian architect Walter Hildebrand, who initiated a comprehensive restoration project. Today, the renovated complex serves multiple purposes, housing a hotel, a campus of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, and a museum that chronicles the history of Gaming Charterhouse and the wider Carthusian order. A Greek Catholic chapel has also been established on the site.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gaming Charterhouse founded?
Gaming Charterhouse was founded in 1330. It was established by Albert II, Duke of Austria, who intended it to serve as a dynastic burial place for his family.
Who was buried at Gaming Charterhouse?
The founder, Albert II, Duke of Austria, was buried there after his death in 1358. His wife, Joanna of Pfirt, and his daughter-in-law, Elisabeth of Bohemia, were also interred at the monastery. Their remains were later moved to the parish church of Gaming in 1797.
Why was Gaming Charterhouse dissolved?
The monastery was dissolved in 1782 as part of the reforms initiated by Emperor Joseph II. These reforms led to the dissolution of numerous religious institutions across the Habsburg monarchy.
What is Gaming Charterhouse used for today?
After extensive restoration, the premises of Gaming Charterhouse are now partly occupied by a hotel and the Franciscan University of Steubenville. A museum dedicated to the history of the monastery and the Carthusian order has also been established there since 2004. A Greek Catholic chapel is also present.
What was the initial scale of the monastic community at Gaming Charterhouse?
The first community established at Gaming Charterhouse was double the usual size for a Carthusian house, comprising 24 monks under a prior. The scale of the buildings constructed from the outset reflected this larger community.
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