Julita Abbey
Christian·Sweden·Museum/Ruins·12th century
Julita Abbey was a Cistercian monastery founded in 1160, initially near Sigtuna before relocating to Säby by Lake Öljaren in 1180. It flourished with royal and aristocratic patronage, amassing significant landholdings. During the Protestant Reformation, the abbey was appropriated by the crown in 1527 and later became part of a secular estate. Today, the manor is an open-air museum, with only a small portion of the abbey visible in its basement.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1160 and relocated in 1180.
- ›Was part of the Cistercian monastic order.
- ›Received extensive donations from Swedish royalty and aristocracy.
- ›Controlled approximately 80 farms, primarily in Södermanland.
- ›Appropriated by the crown in 1527 during the Protestant Reformation.
- ›The estate is now an open-air museum managed by the Nordic Museum.
- Basement Section of the Abbey Visible At Julita Manor
- Archaeologically Revealed Extent of Main Abbey Buildings
Julita Kloster, SäBy, Saba
Knut Eriksson, Erik Knutsson, Olof Arvidsson, Matthias Palbitzki, Arthur BäCkströM
- Founding In 1160
- Relocation In 1180
- Appropriation During the Protestant Reformation In 1527
- Transfer of Ownership To the Nordic Museum In 1944
About Julita Abbey
Julita Abbey, also known by its Latin name Saba or locally as Säby, was a significant Cistercian monastery located in Södermanland, Sweden. Its foundation dates to 1160, with an initial settlement near Sigtuna before its relocation in 1180 to Säby on the shores of Lake Öljaren. The abbey benefited greatly from the patronage of Swedish monarchs, including King Knut Eriksson and King Erik Knutsson, as well as from numerous donations by the aristocracy, accumulating considerable wealth and owning around 80 farms, predominantly within Södermanland.
History and Transition
The monastic life at Julita Abbey was significantly altered during the Protestant Reformation. In 1527, King Gustavus Vasa appropriated the abbey under the Reduction of Gustav I. The monastery's lands were subsequently transformed into a secular estate, passing through the hands of various notable figures, including diplomat Matthias Palbitzki and members of the Lewenhaupt family.
Modern Status
In 1944, the estate of Julita Abbey came under the ownership of the Nordic Museum, following the testament of its final private owner, Arthur Bäckström. Today, the site functions as a large open-air museum, known as Julita Manor. While the extensive abbey buildings are no longer standing, a small part of the original monastic structure is preserved in the basement of one of the manor's wings, which is accessible to the public. Archaeological excavations have been instrumental in revealing the full footprint and layout of the former abbey.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Julita Abbey founded?
Julita Abbey was founded in 1160. It was later relocated in 1180 to a new site by the lake Öljaren.
What religious order did Julita Abbey belong to?
Julita Abbey was a monastery of the Cistercian monks. This order is known for its emphasis on manual labor and contemplative life.
What happened to Julita Abbey after the Reformation?
Following the Protestant Reformation, King Gustavus Vasa appropriated the abbey in 1527. It was then granted as a fief and its lands eventually became a secular estate.
Can I visit Julita Abbey today?
While the original abbey buildings are largely gone, the estate is now an open-air museum known as Julita Manor. A small part of the abbey can be seen in the basement of one of the manor's wings, and this area is open to the public.
What was the significance of Julita Abbey?
Julita Abbey was significant due to substantial donations from Swedish royalty and aristocracy, making it a wealthy institution. It played a role in the religious and economic landscape of Södermanland before its secularization.
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