Seitenstetten Abbey

Seitenstetten Abbey is a Benedictine monastery situated in Seitenstetten, within the Mostviertel region of Lower Austria. Its origins date back to 1112 when it was founded by Udalschalk, a relative of Bishop Ulrich of Passau, who endowed the new foundation with all his estates. Monks from Göttweig Abbey settled the new foundation in 1114, and the church was consecrated in 1116, receiving the extensive parish of Aschbach.

Over the centuries, Seitenstetten Abbey developed into a significant regional institution. It was granted the parish of Wolfsbach in 1142, and from these two original parishes, fourteen modern ones were formed, for which the abbey remains responsible. Around 1180, the abbey received extensive woodlands on the Ybbs, with the stipulation to establish a cell and celebrate divine service there in perpetuity. Early indications also suggest the existence of a school from the abbey's first century.

Despite enduring numerous setbacks, including fires and property disputes, the abbey experienced periods of revival. The Melk Reforms, introduced by Abbot Benedikt I, revitalized its spiritual and cultural life, leading to the construction and dedication of a chapel on Sonntagberg in 1440, thereby establishing the Sonntagberger Pilgrimage under the abbey's protection.

Later centuries saw the abbey significantly impacted by events such as the Hungarian disturbances, Turkish taxes, and the Reformation, which led to a sharp decline in the number of monks. A spiritual revival began in the late 16th century under Abbot Christoph Held, and subsequent abbots saw the flourishing of Baroque art and architecture. Abbot Gabriel Sauer brought about economic stabilization and religious renewal after the Thirty Years' War, paving the way for major construction projects.

Under Abbot Benedikt II Abelzhauser, Jakob Prandtauer and later Josef Munggenast were commissioned to build the magnificent Pilgrimage Church of the Holy Trinity on the Sonntagberg. The abbey church itself underwent lavish refurbishment. Between 1718 and 1747, the impressive Baroque conventual buildings were erected, featuring ceiling frescoes by renowned artists such as Paul Troger and Bartolomeo Altomonte. The financing for these grand works was largely derived from the abbey's copper mines and brass foundry.

Seitenstetten Abbey navigated further challenges posed by Emperor Joseph II's anti-monastic policies and the Napoleonic Wars, gradually regaining strength throughout the 19th century. Abbot Theodor Springer skillfully guided the abbey through the economic crisis following World War I and the tumultuous National Socialist period and World War II, preventing its dissolution. Post-war renovations have continued to preserve both the Pilgrimage Church and the abbey's structures. Beyond its significant artworks and architecture, the abbey is noted for its Romanesque Knights' Chapel and a garden featuring approximately 110 different types of roses, many of them historical. Since 1625, Seitenstetten Abbey has been part of the Austrian Congregation, now within the Benedictine Confederation.