Schottenstift
The Schottenstift, formally the Benedictine Abbey of Our Dear Lady of the Scots, is a Catholic monastery in Vienna founded in 1155 by Henry II of Austria. Originally established by Irish monks from Regensburg, it became a repository of knowledge, a hospice, and a center for education, playing a role in the early University of Vienna. The abbey has undergone significant architectural changes, from its Romanesque origins to Baroque and later renovations, and houses a museum with significant artworks.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in Vienna in 1155 by Henry II of Austria.
- ›Initially settled by Irish monks from the Scots Monastery in Regensburg.
- ›Served as a repository of knowledge, a hospice, and an educational center.
- ›The original church was a Romanesque pillar basilica consecrated in 1200.
- ›Suffered damage from a fire in 1276 and a collapsed tower in 1638, leading to Baroque rebuilding.
- ›Houses a museum displaying artworks such as the Schottenmeisteraltar.
Romanesque, Baroque
Schottenmeisteraltar, Schottengymnasium, Fountain With Statue of Henry Ii, Black Madonna Statue
- Scottish Abbey
- Benediktinerabtei Unserer Lieben Frau Zu Den Schotten
Henry Ii of Austria, Wolfgang Schmeltzl, Johannes Rasch, Andrea D'Allio the Younger, Silvestro Carlone, Joachim Von Sandrart, Johann Fux, Andreas Zach, Franz Schubert, Joseph KornhäUsel, Julius Schmid, Heinrich Von Ferstel, Michael Rieser, Peter Nobile, Sebastian Wagner
Foundation By Henry Ii of Austria, Construction of the First Monastery, Burial of Henry Ii, Fire Destroying the Cloister, Melker Reform and Settlement of Benedictines, Tower Collapse and Rebuilding, Restoration After Turkish Siege, Construction of A New Priory and School, Founding of the Schottengymnasium, Renovation of Auxiliary Buildings, Restoration and Renovation of the Church, Reinstallation of the Museum
About Schottenstift
The Schottenstift, formally known as the Benedictine Abbey of Our Dear Lady of the Scots, is a significant Catholic monastery located in Vienna, Austria. Founded in 1155 by Henry II of Austria, it was established by Irish monks who came from the Scots Monastery in Regensburg, Germany. The abbey's name reflects the historical term "Schotten" for Irish monks. Since 1625, it has been part of the Austrian Congregation and, since 1893, the Benedictine Confederation.
History and Significance
In the early Middle Ages, Irish monks were instrumental in missionary work, and their monasteries were known as "Schottenklöster." Henry II specifically requested "Solos elegimus Scottos"—only Scots—for his new foundation, which was intended to support his administration and new ducal city. Monasteries of this era served not only as centers for prayer but also as vital repositories of knowledge, providing schools, libraries, hospices, and educated personnel. The Schottenstift also played a role in the founding of the University of Vienna in 1365.
The construction of the first monastery began in 1160 and its structure was consecrated in 1200. The original church was a three-aisled, Romanesque pillar basilica. Henry II himself was buried there in 1177. The monastery faced challenges, including a fire in 1276 that destroyed the cloister. During the Melker Reform in 1418, Duke Albert V replaced the original community with Benedictines, though they continued to be known as "Schotten."
Architectural Evolution and Cultural Contributions
The abbey's architecture has evolved significantly over centuries. A lightning strike in 1638 led to the rebuilding of the church in the Baroque style by architects Andrea d'Allio the Younger and Silvestro Carlone. The church was shortened, and its tower was repositioned. Later renovations, particularly in the 1880s, introduced new ceiling paintings by Julius Schmid and a high altar designed by Heinrich von Ferstel. The monastery also boasts a museum that houses important artworks, such as the Schottenmeisteraltar, a significant piece of late Gothic art offering views of the city. The Schottengymnasium, an educational institute, was founded in 1807, further cementing the abbey's role in education. The Baroque west tower's extension was often proposed but never realized.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Schottenstift founded?
Schottenstift was founded in Vienna in 1155 by Henry II of Austria. He brought Irish monks to the city to establish the monastery.
Who were the original monks at Schottenstift?
The original monks were Irish, known as "Schotten" or "Iroschotten" in German. They came from the Scots Monastery in Regensburg, Germany, rather than directly from Ireland.
What was the purpose of founding Schottenstift?
Henry II required a monastery for his new capital city, Vienna. Monasteries in the Middle Ages served as repositories of knowledge, provided educational institutions for scribes, a library, a hospice, and educated men for services.
What architectural styles are represented at Schottenstift?
The original church was Romanesque. It was later rebuilt in the Baroque style after a fire and a tower collapse. Further renovations in the 1880s also introduced new elements.
What can be seen at the Schottenstift museum?
The museum contains notable items, including the Schottenmeisteraltar from around 1470, which is significant for its late Gothic art and its depictions of the city. The museum has been reinstalled multiple times in recent history.
Where is Schottenstift located?
Schottenstift is located in Vienna, Austria, specifically on the Freyung, at Freyung 6, A-1010 Wien.
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