Göttweig Abbey
Göttweig Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located near Krems in Lower Austria, founded in 1083 by Altmann, Bishop of Passau. It has a rich history as a seat of learning, enduring periods of decline and significant fires, particularly in 1580 and 1718. The abbey is renowned today for its extensive library and its magnificent Baroque staircase, a masterpiece by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt and Paul Troger.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1083 by Altmann, Bishop of Passau.
- ›Became a Benedictine monastery in 1094 after initial laxity.
- ›Suffered major fires in 1580 and 1718, requiring significant rebuilding.
- ›Features Austria's largest Baroque staircase, adorned with a masterpiece fresco by Paul Troger.
- ›Houses a library with 150,000 books and manuscripts, plus collections of coins and antiquities.
- ›Part of the Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Baroque
- Largest Baroque Staircase In Austria
- Masterpiece Fresco By Paul Troger
- Extensive Library
- Collections of Engravings, Coins, and Antiquities
- Highest Apricot Orchard In Wachau Valley
Stift GöTtweig
Altmann, Bishop of Passau, Wirnto, Berthold, Hartmann, Ava, Michael Herrlich, George Falb, David Corner, Gottfried Bessel, Johann Lucas Von Hildebrandt, Paul Troger, Charles Vi
Fire In 1580, Fire In 1718, Restoration Under Abbot Michael Herrlich, Rebuilding After 1718 Fire, Inclusion In the Austrian Congregation
About Göttweig Abbey
Göttweig Abbey, known in German as Stift Göttweig, is a significant Benedictine monastery situated near Krems in Lower Austria. Its origins trace back to 1083 when it was founded by Altmann, Bishop of Passau. Initially established as a monastery for canons regular, it adopted the Rule of St. Benedict in 1094, becoming a prominent center for scholarship and strict monastic observance.
History and Development
Under Abbot Hartmann (1094–1114), Göttweig flourished as a seat of learning, boasting a monastic school and a well-organized library. A nunnery was also established at its foot, believed to be the dwelling place of the early German woman poet, Ava. However, the abbey experienced periods of decline, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries, culminating in a devastating fire in 1580. Subsequent restoration efforts under Abbot Michael Herrlich rebuilt the monastery. A significant rebuilding program occurred after another major fire in 1718. This reconstruction, designed by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, resulted in the grand Baroque complex seen today, notably featuring Austria's largest Baroque staircase with a fresco by Paul Troger, depicting Emperor Charles VI as Apollo.
Present Day and Significance
Today, Göttweig Abbey continues its monastic life as part of the Benedictine Confederation, with a community of around 30 monks. It is celebrated for its valuable collections, including a library of 150,000 books and manuscripts, as well as significant holdings of religious engravings, coins, and antiquities. The abbey is also known for its agricultural products, such as apricot jams and wines, from its orchards in the Wachau Valley. The monastery is an integral part of the Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, and is a stop on various historical trails, including the World Heritage Trail and the Way of St. James.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Göttweig Abbey founded?
Göttweig Abbey was founded as a monastery of canons regular on September 9, 1083, by Altmann, Bishop of Passau. The high altar of a chapel on the site was dedicated earlier, in 1072.
What is Göttweig Abbey known for architecturally?
The abbey is particularly famous for its Baroque architecture, especially the imperial staircase, which is the largest in Austria. This staircase is adorned with a fresco by Paul Troger, considered a masterpiece of the era.
Does Göttweig Abbey still have an active monastic community?
Yes, Göttweig Abbey is an active monastery. As of 2023, it houses a community of approximately 30 Benedictine monks and is part of the Benedictine Confederation.
What significant collections are held at Göttweig Abbey?
The abbey is renowned for its library, which contains 150,000 books and manuscripts. It also holds important collections of religious engravings, coins, antiquities, musical manuscripts, and natural history items.
Is Göttweig Abbey a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Göttweig Abbey itself is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is situated within the Wachau landscape, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
What are some products associated with Göttweig Abbey?
The abbey is known for producing apricot jams and wines, made from produce grown on its grounds. It boasts the highest apricot orchard in Austria's Wachau Valley.
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