St. Paul's Abbey in the Lavanttal
St. Paul's Abbey in Lavanttal is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1091 in Carinthia, Austria. Originally centered on a Romanesque church, it was largely rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17th century. The abbey has a complex history, including dissolutions by Emperor Joseph II and the National Socialists, but has been continuously resettled and remains the oldest operational monastery in Carinthia.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1091 by Count Engelbert I of Sponheim.
- ›The current church buildings were significantly rebuilt in Baroque style during the 17th century.
- ›Dissolved by Emperor Joseph II in 1782, but resettled in 1809.
- ›Re-dissolved by National Socialists in 1940, reopened in 1947.
- ›Possesses a vast library with over 180,000 books and manuscripts.
- ›Houses one of Europe's largest art collections, including works by Rubens and Dürer.
Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque
- Extensive Library With Over 180,000 Books and Manuscripts
- Large Art Collection Including Graphics, Coins, Sacred Art, and Paintings
- Romanesque Basilica Church With Gothic Vaulted Ceiling
- Crypt Containing Coffins of 13 Habsburg Family Members
- South Portal of the Church
Stift St. Paul Im Lavanttal
Engelbert I, Margrave of Istria, Siegfried I of Spanheim, Engelbert Ii of Sponheim, Hartwig of Salzburg, Pope Urban Ii, Pope Innocent Ii, Frederick Iii, Holy Roman Emperor, Ulrich Ii, Count of Celje, Matthias Corvinus, Archduke Charles Ii of Inner Austria, Hieronymus Marchstaller, Emperor Joseph Ii, Berthold Rottler, Friedrich Pacher, Michael Pacher, Philipp Jakob Straub
- Consecration of A Former Church On the Site In 991
- Foundation of the Abbey In 1091
- Placed Under Papal Protection By Pope Urban Ii In 1099
- Decreed Exempt By Pope Innocent Ii In 1140
- Devastated By Troops of Count Ulrich Ii of Celje During the 15th Century
- Ravaged By Ottoman Forces In 1476
- Besieged By King Matthias Corvinus In 1480
- Dissolved By Emperor Joseph Ii In 1782
- Resettled By Monks From St. Blaise Abbey In 1809
- Dissolved Again By the National Socialists In 1940
- Reopened In 1947
About St. Paul's Abbey in the Lavanttal
St. Paul's Abbey in Lavanttal
St. Paul's Abbey in Lavanttal (German: Stift St. Paul im Lavanttal) is a significant Benedictine monastery located in the Austrian state of Carinthia, near the market town of Sankt Paul im Lavanttal. Its origins trace back to 1091, when Count Engelbert I of Sponheim founded it on the site of a former castle and a church that had been consecrated in 991. The abbey church, originally a Romanesque basilica, underwent substantial rebuilding in the Baroque style during the 17th century, with further Gothic additions in the 14th century.
History and Significance
The abbey's history is marked by periods of prosperity and significant challenges. It quickly became a major religious and cultural center in Carinthia, benefiting from papal protection and exemption granted by Popes Urban II and Innocent II. Despite facing threats from local nobility, Ottoman incursions, and political turmoil, it maintained its importance. The abbey was dissolved by Emperor Joseph II in 1782, but was re-established in 1809 by monks from the dissolved St. Blaise Abbey. It endured another dissolution by the National Socialists in 1940, only to be reopened in 1947. Today, St. Paul's Abbey stands as the oldest operational monastery in Carinthia.
Collections and Education
Beyond its religious and historical importance, St. Paul's Abbey is renowned for its extensive cultural holdings. It houses one of the largest art collections in Europe, featuring works by masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Dürer. The abbey also possesses a vast library containing over 180,000 books and manuscripts dating from the 5th to the 18th centuries. Furthermore, the Benedictine community actively engages in education, running a secondary school (Gymnasium) and promoting religious music through recordings and performances.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Paul's Abbey in Lavanttal founded?
St. Paul's Abbey in Lavanttal was founded on May 1, 1091. The site also had a church consecrated earlier in 991.
What is the architectural style of St. Paul's Abbey?
The abbey church has Romanesque origins dating from the late 12th century, with a Gothic vaulted ceiling added in the 14th century. The premises were largely rebuilt in a Baroque style in the 17th century.
Has the abbey always been operational?
No, the abbey was dissolved by Emperor Joseph II in 1782 and again by the National Socialists in 1940. However, it was resettled in 1809 and reopened in 1947, and is currently the oldest operational monastery in Carinthia.
What notable collections does the abbey hold?
St. Paul's Abbey boasts one of the largest art collections in Europe, featuring graphics, coins, sacred art, and paintings by renowned artists. It also houses an extensive library with over 180,000 books and manuscripts.
Who founded St. Paul's Abbey?
The abbey was founded by Count Engelbert I of Sponheim, Margrave of Istria. He established it on the site of a former castle and church, bringing twelve Benedictine monks from Hirsau Abbey.
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