Lilienfeld Abbey
Lilienfeld Abbey is a Cistercian monastery located in Lilienfeld, Lower Austria, founded in 1202 by Leopold VI. It played a significant role as a daughter house of Heiligenkreuz Abbey, with successive abbots serving as councillors to Austrian rulers, leading to considerable wealth. The abbey has a rich history of architectural changes, from medieval structures to Baroque additions, and has experienced periods of suppression and rebuilding, most notably after a major fire in 1810.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1202 by Duke Leopold VI of Austria and Styria.
- ›A daughter house of Heiligenkreuz Abbey.
- ›Served as a fortress during the Turkish advance in 1683.
- ›Experienced extensive Baroque additions and refurbishments in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- ›Suppressed in 1789 by Emperor Joseph II and reopened in 1790.
- ›The abbey church was declared a 'basilica minor' by Pope Paul VI in 1976.
Gothic, Baroque
Abbey Church Designated As A 'Basilica Minor', Lilienfelderhof Estate With Vineyards, Sommerakademie Lilienfeld
Stift Lilienfeld
Leopold Vi, Duke of Austria, Matthew Kollweis, Johann Ladislaus Pyrker, Margaret, Duchess of Austria, Cymburgis of Masovia
- Founded In 1202
- Served As A Fortress During the Turkish Advance In 1683
- Suppressed In 1789, Reopened In 1790
- Extensive Fire In 1810, Followed By Rebuilding
About Lilienfeld Abbey
Lilienfeld Abbey, known in German as Stift Lilienfeld, is a prominent Cistercian monastery situated in the town of Lilienfeld in Lower Austria, located south of Sankt Pölten. Its origins trace back to 1202 when it was founded by Leopold VI, Duke of Austria and Styria, as a daughter house of the renowned Heiligenkreuz Abbey. This close affiliation facilitated a significant relationship with the rulers of Austria, enabling successive abbots to serve as councillors and contributing to the abbey's considerable wealth.
History and Development
The abbey's architectural history is marked by considerable development. The original medieval buildings were augmented with Baroque additions during the 17th century, and further refurbishments in the Baroque style were carried out in the first half of the 18th century, affecting the tower, library, and church interior. During the Turkish advance towards Vienna in 1683, Abbot Matthew Kollweis fortified the monastery, establishing a garrison and providing refuge for numerous fugitives. The abbey faced a period of suppression under Emperor Joseph II in 1789, during which its library, archives, and portable valuables were removed. However, it was reopened by Emperor Leopold II in 1790 following Joseph II's death. A significant fire in 1810 destroyed much of the abbey, but it was subsequently rebuilt under Abbot Johann Ladislaus Pyrker. In recognition of its importance, the abbey church was declared a "basilica minor" by Pope Paul VI in 1976.
Current Activities and Legacy
Today, Lilienfeld Abbey is home to an active community of Cistercians of the Common Observance, forming part of the Austrian Congregation. The abbey is also known for hosting the Sommerakademie Lilienfeld, a summer music academy that has been held since the early 1980s. This academy features master classes led by renowned teachers and culminates in several concerts performed by participants, drawing international attendees.
Associated Estates and Burials
As part of its founding endowment, Duke Leopold VI granted the abbey lands in the Pfaffstätten area, where the monks established a walled estate known as the Lilienfelderhof. This estate, comprising a Gothic church, manor house, and other structures, is currently undergoing restoration. Notable historical figures buried at Lilienfeld Abbey include its founder, Leopold VI, Duke of Austria, as well as Margaret, Duchess of Austria, and Cymburgis of Masovia.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lilienfeld Abbey founded?
Lilienfeld Abbey was founded in the year 1202. It was established by Leopold VI, Duke of Austria and Styria.
What is the religious tradition of Lilienfeld Abbey?
Lilienfeld Abbey belongs to the Cistercian order. Specifically, the community adheres to the Cistercians of the Common Observance and is part of the Austrian Congregation.
What architectural styles are present at Lilienfeld Abbey?
The abbey features a blend of architectural styles, with medieval buildings being extended by Baroque additions in the 17th century. The tower, library, and church interior were further refurbished in the Baroque style in the first half of the 18th century.
Has Lilienfeld Abbey always been operational?
No, the abbey was suppressed by Emperor Joseph II in 1789. However, it was reopened by Emperor Leopold II as early as 1790, shortly after Joseph II's death.
Are there any notable figures associated with Lilienfeld Abbey?
Leopold VI, Duke of Austria, who founded the abbey, is buried there. Other notable figures buried at the abbey include Margaret, Duchess of Austria, and Cymburgis of Masovia.
What is the significance of the Lilienfelderhof property?
The Lilienfelderhof was part of Duke Leopold VI's endowment to the abbey and includes a Gothic church, manor house, and other buildings. This estate, with its vineyards, is undergoing restoration and revitalization.
Related Monasteries
Heiligenkreuz Abbey
Heiligenkreuz Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in Lower Austria, renowned as the oldest continuously occupied Cistercian monastery globally. Founded in 1133, it has a rich history marked by royal patronage, the acquisition of a relic of the True Cross, and significant architectural developments from Romanesque to Baroque styles. Today, it is a vibrant center for theological studies, Gregorian chant, and monastic life, experiencing a resurgence in vocations.
Mariastern Abbey
Mariastern Abbey is a Cistercian nunnery located in Hohenweiler, Austria, established in 1856. It serves as the mother house for Marienfeld Abbey, founded in 1974. As of 2015, the abbey was home to 25 sisters.
Rein Abbey
Rein Abbey, also known as Stift Rein, is a Cistercian monastery located in Rein near Gratwein, Styria, Austria. Founded in 1129, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously existing Cistercian community in the world. The abbey has played a significant historical role, notably as the site of the Rein Oath in 1276, and its buildings showcase a blend of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.