Rein Abbey

Rein Abbey, known in German as Stift Rein, is a historically significant Cistercian monastery situated in Rein near Gratwein, in the Austrian state of Styria. Founded in 1129 by Margrave Leopold the Strong of Styria, it holds the unique distinction of being the oldest continuously existing Cistercian community in the world. This longevity makes it an invaluable repository of Cistercian tradition and history, earning it the moniker "Cradle of Styria" (Wiege der Steiermark).

History and Significance

The establishment of Rein Abbey was part of the Cistercian expansion into the region, with monks arriving from Ebrach Abbey in Bavaria. It quickly became a mother house, founding Wilhering Abbey in 1146 and later Stična and Neukloster Abbeys. The abbey's grounds were the site of a pivotal political event in 1276: the Rein Oath, where the Styrian and Carinthian nobility pledged their allegiance to Rudolf of Habsburg, a move that was instrumental in establishing Habsburg rule in Austria and ending Bohemian influence. The monastery experienced a temporary disruption during World War II when Nazi authorities confiscated the premises and evicted the monks, who were able to return in 1945. From 1950 to 1990, Rein Abbey also sheltered exiled Cistercians from Hohenfurt Abbey in Czechoslovakia, operating for a period as Rein-Hohenfurt Abbey.

Architecture and Features

The architectural evolution of Rein Abbey reflects its long history. The original abbey church and conventual buildings exhibit Romanesque features. Significant alterations occurred in the early 17th century, with the construction of the Neues Konvent featuring Renaissance arcading between 1629 and 1632 by architect Bartholomäus di Bosio. Later, under Abbot Placidus Mailly, the church was extensively refurbished in the Baroque style between 1738 and 1747, with notable Baroque frescoes by Josef Adam von Mölk and an altarpiece by Martin Johann Schmidt. The Gothic Chapel of the Cross, built between 1406 and 1409, commemorates Saint Eberhard of Salzburg. Archaeological excavations in 2006 uncovered the foundations of the Romanesque chapter house and graves, including that of the founder. The abbey library is a substantial collection, housing over 100,000 items, including rare manuscripts and incunabula, most famously a 13th-century fragment of the epic poem Parzival. The abbots' gallery, displaying portraits of all abbots since 1129, is another significant feature.