Reutte Friary
Roman Catholic·Austria·Former religious community; buildings have Protected Monument status·17th century
Reutte Friary was a Roman Catholic Franciscan religious community and its associated church located in Reutte, Austria, established in the early 17th century. Despite facing destruction during the Thirty Years' War and significant fires in later centuries, the complex was repeatedly rebuilt with local support and served various roles, including a theological study center and a novice community. The friary's associated church, St. Anna, exhibits a blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural elements.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1628 with the laying of the foundation stone.
- ›Suffered damage and looting by Swedish soldiers in 1632 during the Thirty Years' War.
- ›The complex experienced fires in 1703 and 1846, but was rebuilt each time.
- ›Served as a center for Franciscan theological studies during the 18th century.
- ›The last Franciscan friars departed at the end of 2014.
- ›The church and conventual complex hold Protected Monument status under Austrian law.
Gothic, Baroque
Church of St. Anna, Paulusheim, Belfry
Archduke Leopold of Austria, Claudia De' Medici
Foundation Stone Laid, Damaged and Looted By Swedish Soldiers, Fire and Rebuilding, Closure of the Friary
About Reutte Friary
Reutte Friary was a Roman Catholic religious community of the Franciscan order and its associated church, located in the market town of Reutte in the Austrian Tirol. The foundation stone for the Franciscan settlement was laid on March 15, 1628, with the complex being completed by 1630. The friary and its church, dedicated to St. Anna, have been granted Protected Monument status under Austrian law.
History and Development
The early history of Reutte Friary was marked by conflict. In July 1632, during the Thirty Years' War, the friary buildings and the church were damaged and looted by Swedish soldiers. The complex subsequently faced significant challenges, including fires in 1703 and 1846, but on both occasions, it was meticulously rebuilt with the financial support of the local community.
Throughout its existence, Reutte Friary served various important functions within the Franciscan province. During the eighteenth century, it was home to a Franciscan theological study center. From 1820 to 1861, and again from 1977 to 2000, Reutte served as a community for novices for the Franciscan Tirol Province. In more recent times, the "Paulusheim" was constructed between 1959 and 1961 to accommodate parish meetings, and the church underwent phased renovations in the mid-1960s.
Architectural Features
The Friary Church of St. Anna is designed in a sober Franciscan style, integrated with the other friary buildings. Architecturally, it presents a notable juxtaposition: the Gothic choir is supported by a Baroque nave, all under a hip roof. The tower, situated on the south side of the choir and partially overlapping the conventual building, features arched windows and is crowned with an onion dome, a distinctive feature common to churches in the region. The nave and choir are illuminated through round-arched windows.
Closure and Legacy
By the early 21st century, the number of Franciscans at Reutte Friary had dwindled to just four, who focused primarily on hospital work and pastoral care within the parish. In recognition of the decline in vocations, an announcement was made in 2013 that Reutte Friary would close. The last Franciscans departed the friary at the end of 2014, marking the end of its active monastic life. Despite its closure as a functioning religious community, the historical and architectural significance of the complex is preserved through its Protected Monument status.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Reutte Friary founded?
The foundation stone for the Franciscan settlement at Reutte Friary was laid on March 15, 1628. The conventual buildings were completed by 1630.
What happened to Reutte Friary during the Thirty Years' War?
In July 1632, during the Thirty Years' War, both the conventual buildings and the church of Reutte Friary were damaged and looted by Swedish soldiers. This period was marked by significant devastation in the region.
Has Reutte Friary always been in its current state?
No, the complex has undergone significant damage and rebuilding. It burned down in 1703 and again in 1846, but was reconstructed on both occasions with financial contributions from the local community.
What was the role of Reutte Friary in later centuries?
During the eighteenth century, Reutte Friary housed a Franciscan theological study center. Between 1820 and 1861, and again from 1977 to 2000, it served as a community for novices for the Franciscan Tirol Province.
When did the Franciscans leave Reutte Friary?
The last Franciscan friars left Reutte Friary at the end of 2014. This departure was part of a broader retrenchment due to declining numbers of novices over several decades.
What is the architectural style of the Friary Church of St. Anna?
The church features a Gothic choir and a Baroque nave. The tower, located on the south side of the choir, is topped with an onion dome, characteristic of regional churches.
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