Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey
Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey is a Cistercian territorial abbey and cathedral located near Bregenz, Austria. Originally founded as a monastery in the 7th century, it underwent reforms and rebuilding before its dissolution in the early 19th century. In 1854, it was re-established by monks from the suppressed Swiss Wettingen Abbey, becoming a significant center for the Cistercian Order and playing a role in its revitalization.
Key Facts
- ›Founded by Saint Columbanus around 611 AD.
- ›Reformed in 1079 with the introduction of the Rule of St. Benedict.
- ›Dissolved by Bavarian authorities in 1806, with the church later dismantled.
- ›Re-established in 1854 by monks from the suppressed Wettingen Abbey in Switzerland.
- ›Played a key role in the reinvigoration of the Cistercian Order in the late 19th century.
- ›Manages a secondary school, Collegium Bernardi, and a sanatorium.
Romanesque
Monument To Cardinal HergenröTher
- Abbatia Territorialis Beatissimae Mariae Virginis Maris Stellae
Saint Columbanus, Gottfried, Ulrich of Bregenz, Bertha of Rheinfelden, Ulrich MöTz, Abbot Benedict, Emperor Franz Joseph I, Cardinal HergenröTher
- Founded By Saint Columbanus
- Reformed By Gottfried
- Rebuilt By Count Ulrich of Bregenz
- Suffered Devastation During the Thirty Years' War
- Church and Monastic Buildings Rebuilt
- Dissolved By Bavarian Authorities
- Church Dismantled
- Re-Established By Wettingen Abbey
- Formed the Mehrerau Congregation
About Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey
Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey is a significant Cistercian territorial abbey and cathedral situated in Mehrerau, on the outskirts of Bregenz in Vorarlberg, Austria. Its history traces back to the 7th century when Saint Columbanus founded an initial monastery on the site around 611 AD. This early foundation underwent reforms, notably in 1079 with the introduction of the Rule of St. Benedict, and was rebuilt in the late 11th century.
During the Reformation, the abbey was a staunch supporter of Catholicism. Despite suffering during the Thirty Years' War, it experienced a period of recovery and flourishing in the 18th century, with its church and monastic buildings being extensively rebuilt. However, its existence was threatened by Emperor Joseph II's reforms, and it was ultimately dissolved by Bavarian authorities in 1806 after Vorarlberg was ceded to Bavaria. The church was subsequently dismantled to provide materials for the harbor of Lindau.
The abbey's current form began in 1854 when it was formally opened as Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey, re-established by monks from the suppressed Swiss Wettingen Abbey. This revival marked a new chapter, and the abbey became a vital center for the reinvigoration of the Cistercian Order in the late 19th century. Today, Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey continues its monastic life and also operates educational institutions, including the Collegium Bernardi secondary school, and a sanatorium.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the original monastery at Mehrerau founded?
The first monastery at Mehrerau was founded by Saint Columbanus around 611 AD. He built it after settling in the area, following the model of Luxeuil.
What happened to the monastery during the Napoleonic era?
Following the Treaty of Pressburg in 1805, Vorarlberg and the abbey came under Bavarian rule. The Bavarian authorities dissolved the abbey in 1806, evicting the monks and scattering its library. The church was later dismantled to provide materials for the harbor of Lindau.
How was Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey re-established?
In 1853, the surviving monastic buildings and some land were purchased by the abbot of the Cistercian Wettingen Abbey in Switzerland, which had been forcibly suppressed. The Abbey of Wettingen-Mehrerau was formally opened on October 18, 1854.
What is the significance of Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey to the Cistercian Order?
In the second half of the 19th century, Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey took a key role in the reinvigoration of the Cistercian Order. It was instrumental in forming the Mehrerau Congregation, which led to new settlements.
Does the abbey have any educational institutions associated with it?
Yes, the community at Mehrerau runs the 'Collegium Bernardi', which is a secondary school with a boarding-house. They also operate a sanatorium.
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