Neukloster Abbey
Christian·Austria·Priory of Heiligenkreuz Abbey·13th century
Neukloster Abbey was a Cistercian monastery located in Wiener Neustadt, Lower Austria. Founded in the 13th century, it was an exception to the Cistercian tradition of establishing monasteries in remote areas, being situated near the imperial residence. The abbey served as a burial site for members of the imperial family and later transitioned into a priory of Heiligenkreuz Abbey in 1881.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as a Cistercian monastery in Wiener Neustadt, Lower Austria.
- ›Established as an exception to the Cistercian custom of building in remote areas.
- ›Served as a burial place for Empress Eleonor of Portugal and other members of the imperial family.
- ›Became a priory of Heiligenkreuz Abbey in 1881 due to economic difficulties.
- ›Features a collection of around 4,700 art objects known as the Kunst- und Wunderkammer.
- ›Underwent restoration of its baroque refectory and frescoes by Johann Baptist Bergl.
Gothic, Baroque
- Wiener NeustäDter Altar
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Baroque Refectory With Frescoes By Johann Baptist Bergl
- Kunst- Und Wunderkammer
- Library With A 'Room Within A Room' Made of Glass For Viewing
New Monastery, Novum Monasterium
Frederick Iii, Holy Roman Emperor, Eleonor of Portugal, Leopold Vi, Duke of Austria, Gottfried Von OtterstäTt, Bernhard Von Clairvaux
- Founded In 1227
- Imperial Burials From the 15th Century
- Mozart's Requiem Performed In 1793
- Served As Residence For Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria-Este
- United With Heiligenkreuz Abbey In 1881
About Neukloster Abbey
Neukloster Abbey, located in Wiener Neustadt, Lower Austria, stands as a significant Cistercian monastery with a history dating back to 1227. It was established as an unusual exception to the Cistercian order's typical practice of founding monasteries in secluded, remote areas, being situated instead near the imperial residence at the request of King Frederick. This strategic placement facilitated its role as a favored site for imperial patronage and burials.
History and Significance
The foundation of Neukloster was initiated by King Frederick, who secured the former Dominican monastery for Cistercians from Rein Abbey. The name "Neukloster" (new monastery) was chosen in allusion to the Cistercian mother abbey of Cîteaux, signifying a new beginning. The abbey church, originally containing the "Wiener Neustädter Altar," became a burial site for Empress Eleonor of Portugal and several of their children, although Emperor Frederick himself was ultimately buried in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna.
Throughout its history, Neukloster monks received special dispensations, including permission for women to attend mass at the rood screen, a rarity for the order. The abbey also benefited from imperial endowments, such as the fortress of Rohr and annual payments from Ljubljana. The monastery faced periods of significant upheaval, including housing the exiled Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria-Este and his family from 1797 to 1803. Despite the challenges posed by Josephine reforms, it was not abolished and its church was rededicated as a parish church in 1784. A monastery school was opened in 1804, later transferred to state administration.
Economic difficulties plagued the abbey for centuries, ultimately leading to its union with Heiligenkreuz Abbey in 1880/81 as a priory. In recent times, Neukloster has seen significant restoration efforts, including its baroque refectory and frescoes by Johann Baptist Bergl. The opening of the Kunst- und Wunderkammer, a collection of approximately 4,700 art objects, in 2017 and its role in the Lower Austrian State Exhibition in 2019 highlight its ongoing cultural importance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Neukloster Abbey founded?
Neukloster Abbey was founded in 1227. The Dominican monastery that previously occupied the site was established by Leopold VI in that year, and it was later freed up for Cistercians.
Why was Neukloster Abbey an exception to Cistercian building traditions?
Contrary to the Cistercian custom of only building monasteries in remote areas, Neukloster was established near the imperial residence at the behest of King Frederick. This location was an exception to the typical practice of the order.
Who is buried at Neukloster Abbey?
Empress Eleonor of Portugal, wife of Emperor Frederick, was buried in the apse of the abbey church. Three children of the imperial couple are also interred there. The West Hungarian noble family of the Counts of Mattersdorf-Forchtenstein from Aragon is also noted as being buried at the New Monastery.
What happened to Neukloster Abbey in the late 19th century?
Due to centuries of insufficient funding and economic problems, Neukloster Abbey was united with Heiligenkreuz Abbey in 1880/81. As the convent died out, the property became a priory of Heiligenkreuz.
What notable collections or exhibitions are associated with Neukloster Abbey?
In May 2017, a collection of approximately 4,700 art objects, known as the Kunst- und Wunderkammer (Cabinet of Art and Wonders), was opened. The monastery was also an essential part of the Lower Austrian State Exhibition in 2019.
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