Lienz Friary
Lienz Friary, originally founded as a Carmelite friary in 1349 by Countess Euphemia of Görz, transitioned to Franciscan ownership in 1785. Throughout its history, it has served religious and educational purposes, surviving fires and periods of suppression. Today, it houses an active Franciscan community ministering to the local parish and providing spiritual care.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1349 by Countess Euphemia of Görz and her sons as a Carmelite friary.
- ›Became a Franciscan friary in 1785 after the suppression of the Carmelite community.
- ›Housed a Carmelite theological college around 1450.
- ›Suffered damage from fires and periods of suppression throughout its history.
- ›Today, it serves the parish of St. Mary's and provides spiritual care to various institutions in Lienz.
- ›Features surviving works of art from both the Carmelite and Franciscan periods.
Gothic, Baroque
- Gothic Frescoes
- Cloister With Pictures From 1705
- Chapter Room
- Carmelites' Vault
- Altar With Representation of the Virgin Mary Among the Apostles
- Mosaic of the Virgin Mary As the Giver of All Graces
- Lourdes Grotto In the Cloister
Franziskanerkloster Lienz
Countess Euphemia of GöRz, Albert Iv, Meinhard Vii, Lucas Zach, Joseph Ii, Paulus Rusch
- Founded As Carmelite Friary
- Vicariate Set Up In Tristach
- Theological College For Carmelite Order Housed
- Reform Introduced By Prior Lucas Zach
- Carmelites Served Parish of Tristach
- Taught In Ordinary Town School
- Worked As Professors In Lienz Gymnasium
- Suppressed By Joseph Ii
- Franciscans Moved In
- Fire of Lienz Destroyed Roofs
- Gymnasium Closed By Bavarian Administration
- Friary Vacated For Billeting of Soldiers
- National Socialist Period Difficulties
- Parish of St Mary's Attached To Friary Church
- Friary Enlarged For Parish Activities
- Church Renovated
About Lienz Friary
Lienz Friary, known in German as Franziskanerkloster Lienz, stands in the heart of the town of Lienz in East Tyrol, Austria. Its history is marked by a significant transition, having begun its existence as a Carmelite friary before becoming a Franciscan one.
History and Significance
The Carmelite friary was established in 1349 by Countess Euphemia of Görz and her two sons, Albert IV and Meinhard VII. Initially intended for twelve residents, the community grew to about twenty brothers. The friary played a notable role in the Carmelite Order, housing a theological college around 1450 and seeing reforms introduced by Prior Lucas Zach in the early 16th century. The Carmelites also took on pastoral duties for the parish of Tristach and were involved in teaching at local schools and the Lienz Gymnasium.
However, the friary could not escape the monastic suppressions under Emperor Joseph II. On March 21, 1785, the Carmelite community was ordered to leave, and their premises were transferred to the state. Shortly thereafter, on April 16, 1785, a Franciscan community, displaced from their friary in Innsbruck, took possession of the Lienz site. The Franciscans continued the tradition of religious service and education, caring for souls and providing schooling in Lienz. Despite challenges such as fires, political unrest, and the difficulties of the National Socialist period, the friary has persisted.
Architectural and Artistic Heritage
Remnants from the Carmelite period include Gothic frescoes from the 15th century, a cloister adorned with pictures from 1705, the chapter room, and the Carmelites' vault. The Franciscan era has contributed its own artistic elements, such as an altar and a mosaic by José Pirkner, along with a Lourdes grotto added in the cloister in 1972.
Contemporary Role
Today, Lienz Friary remains an active center for the Franciscan Order. Approximately five friars minister to the parish of St. Mary's, serving about 4,200 Catholic residents. They also extend their spiritual care to the local hospital, old people's homes, and a nearby convent of Dominican nuns, continuing a long legacy of service to the Lienz community.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lienz Friary founded?
The friary was originally founded as a Carmelite friary in 1349. It later became a Franciscan friary in 1785.
Who founded the Carmelite friary in Lienz?
The Carmelite friary was founded by Countess Euphemia of Görz and her two sons, Albert IV and Meinhard VII.
Why did the Carmelites leave Lienz Friary?
The Carmelite community was instructed to vacate the premises in 1785 due to monastic suppressions under Joseph II. The friary was then given to a displaced Franciscan community from Innsbruck.
What is the current role of the Franciscans at Lienz Friary?
Today, the Franciscans look after the parish of St. Mary's, ministering to approximately 4,200 Catholic residents. They also provide spiritual care for the local hospital, old people's homes, and a nearby Dominican convent.
Are there any notable artworks at Lienz Friary?
Yes, the friary contains Gothic frescoes from the 15th century, cloister pictures from 1705, and works by José Pirkner from the Franciscan period, including an altar and a mosaic.
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