Säusenstein Abbey

Säusenstein Abbey, also known by the local designation Schloss Säusenstein ("Säusenstein Castle"), is a historical monastic site located in Säusenstein, Lower Austria. Originally established as a Cistercian monastery, its history is marked by periods of prosperity, significant hardship, and ultimately, transformation into a public attraction.

History and Significance

The foundation of Säusenstein Abbey is officially dated to September 19, 1336, when the nobleman Eberhard of Wallsee granted the site and a substantial endowment to the Cistercian monks of Wilhering Abbey. Prior negotiations with Augustinian Canons had been unsuccessful, and an earlier attempt by the Cistercian Zwettl Abbey to establish a settlement there had also failed. The abbey's early centuries were fraught with challenges. It suffered considerably from the Turkish invasions of the 16th century, particularly in the context of the Siege of Vienna in 1526. Although efforts were made to safeguard valuables, the community endured punishing taxes and poverty, exacerbated by events such as an abbot absconding with the cashbox during the Reformation.

Despite these difficulties, Säusenstein Abbey survived and experienced a resurgence from the late 17th century onwards. The premises were rebuilt, and intellectual pursuits in theology and philosophy flourished. However, the rationalist reforms initiated by Emperor Joseph II led to the abbey's dissolution on May 21, 1789. Following its secularization, the buildings were used as a military hospital by Napoleon's troops, sustaining significant damage, including the near-total destruction of the church by arson around 1801. Further damage occurred in subsequent years. It was during this period that the site began to be referred to locally as "Schloss" Säusenstein.

After the administrator's death in 1812, Säusenstein was taken over by the state and subsequently sold into private ownership in 1825. Further neglect and demolition occurred, including the loss of significant portions of the cloisters for the construction of the Austrian Western Railway. The property eventually passed to the German government and was used as an experimental agricultural institution between 1939 and 1945. Following World War II, Säusenstein was situated in the Soviet Zone of occupation for a decade, and after the Soviet troops departed in 1955, the Austrian Forestry Commission took over the site, though with little focus on building preservation.

Restoration and Current Status

The extensively neglected complex underwent a significant revival when it was acquired in 1979 by the artist and Christian mystic Luise Wittmann and her architect son Karl Wittmann. Over many years, they dedicated themselves to restoring the remaining buildings and opening them to the public. Their successor continues this important work, ensuring that the historical site remains accessible and preserved for visitors.