Wilhering Abbey
Wilhering Abbey is a Cistercian monastery located in Upper Austria, founded in 1146. While it experienced periods of hardship, including near closure during the Reformation and expropriation by the Nazis, it has continued to be a center of monastic life. The abbey is renowned for its spectacular Rococo church, which is considered one of the most brilliant achievements of the style in the German-speaking world.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1146 by Ulrich and Kolo of Wilhering.
- ›Originally settled by Augustinian Canons, then replaced by Cistercian monks from Rein Abbey.
- ›The current buildings are known for their spectacular 18th-century Rococo decoration, particularly the abbey church.
- ›Suffered near closure during the Reformation and was expropriated by the Nazis in 1940.
- ›Founded daughter houses, including Hohenfurth Abbey and Apolo Abbey in Bolivia.
- ›The monastery operates business enterprises like forestry and farming, and houses a museum.
Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Rococo
Rococo Abbey Church, Frescoed Ceilings, Stucco Work, Museum of Modern Art, Abbey Park, KüRnberg Forest
Stift Wilhering
Ulrich of Wilhering, Kolo of Wilhering, Gerald, Eberhard, Bishop of Bamberg, Leopold Vi, Duke of Austria, Pope Innocent Iii, Pope Honorius Iii, Emperor Frederick Ii, Erasmus Mayer, Alexander A Lacu, Johann Baptist HinterhöLzl, Alois Dorfer, Bernhard Burgstaller, Konrad Just, Balduin Sulzer, Theobald GrasböCk, Martino Altomonte, Bartolomeo Altomonte, Francesco Messenta, Franz Josef Holzinger, Johann Michael Feuchtmayer, Johann Georg Ueblherr, Johann Georg Frueholz, Eugen Dymge, Johann Baptist Zell, Nikolaus Rumel the Elder, Anton Bruckner, Leopold Breinbauer, Fritz FröHlich
- Founded In 1146.
- Replaced Augustinian Canons With Cistercians In 1146.
- Transferred To Burkhard, Abbot of Ebrach Abbey In 1185.
- Founded Hohenfurth Abbey , Engelszell Abbey , and SäUsenstein Abbey .
- Nearly Ended During the Protestant Reformation.
- Buildings Destroyed By Fire On March 6, 1733.
- Expropriated By the Nazis In 1940 and Monks Were Expelled.
- Monks Returned and Resumed Monastic Life In 1945.
- School Re-Established In 1945.
About Wilhering Abbey
Wilhering Abbey, known in German as Stift Wilhering, is a significant Cistercian monastery situated in Wilhering, Upper Austria, approximately 8 kilometers from Linz. Its founding dates back to 1146, established by Ulrich and Kolo of Wilhering on the site of their family's former castle. Initially settled by Augustinian Canons, the community soon transitioned to Cistercian monks from Rein Abbey. Over the centuries, Wilhering Abbey has faced numerous challenges, including near dissolution during the Protestant Reformation and expropriation by the Nazi regime in 1940, which led to the expulsion of its monks.
The abbey is particularly celebrated for its stunning Baroque and Rococo architecture, especially its abbey church. Reconstructed in the 18th century, the church is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Rococo art, adorned with elaborate stucco work, vibrant frescoes by artists like Bartolomeo Altomonte, and ornate altars. The interior creates an impression of heavenly light-heartedness and timeless happiness, a hallmark of the Rococo period.
Despite historical adversities, Wilhering Abbey has maintained its monastic life and continues to be an active community. It has also expanded its influence by founding daughter houses, such as Hohenfurth Abbey and, in 1928, a mission in Apolo, Bolivia. Today, the abbey sustains itself through various enterprises, including forestry and farming, and opens parts of its premises to the public, featuring a museum, cafe, and a public park, making it a site of both spiritual significance and cultural interest.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wilhering Abbey founded?
Wilhering Abbey was founded in 1146. It was initially settled by Augustinian Canons but was soon replaced by Cistercian monks from Rein Abbey.
What is Wilhering Abbey famous for architecturally?
The abbey is most famous for its spectacular Rococo church, which is considered by art historians to be one of the most brilliant achievements of the Rococo style in the German-speaking world. The interior features extensive stucco work, frescoes, and altars.
Has Wilhering Abbey always been a Cistercian monastery?
No, Wilhering Abbey was initially settled by Augustinian Canons. However, in its early years, Cistercian monks from Rein Abbey replaced the canons in 1146.
What historical challenges has Wilhering Abbey faced?
The abbey nearly came to an end during the Protestant Reformation and was expropriated by the Nazis in 1940, leading to the expulsion of the monks. It has also suffered from fires, such as the one in 1733 that destroyed most of the buildings.
What is the current status of Wilhering Abbey?
Wilhering Abbey remains an active Cistercian monastery with a monastic community. It also houses a museum, cafe, and its grounds are partially open to the public, including an abbey park.
What are some notable architectural features of Wilhering Abbey?
Beyond the Rococo church, remnants of earlier styles exist, including a Romanesque doorway and parts of a Gothic cloister. The present buildings incorporate a medieval nucleus, Baroque extensions, and post-WWII school constructions.
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