Göttweig Abbey
Niederösterreich
Göttweig Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located near Krems in Lower Austria, founded in 1083 by Bishop Altmann of Passau. It became a prominent center of learning during the Middle Ages, featuring a monastic school and an extensive library. The abbey experienced decline in the 15th and 16th centuries, suffering near abandonment before revival under Abbot Michael Herrlich from Melk Abbey. It was largely destroyed by fire in 1580 and again in 1718, after which it was rebuilt in grand Baroque style by architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt. The abbey is famous for hosting Austria's largest Baroque staircase, adorned with a celebrated fresco by Paul Troger depicting Emperor Charles VI as Apollo. Today, it holds a valuable collection of 150,000 books and manuscripts, religious engravings, coins, and antiquities. Situated on a hill with vineyards, the monastery is part of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage landscape and is known for its apricot orchards and wines. It remains an active religious site with about 30 monks and is a key cultural and historical landmark in the region.
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Astuce: Visit Göttweig Abbey during spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to fully appreciate its Baroque art and library. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The abbey is accessible via the World Heritage Trail and the Way of St. James, making it ideal for combined hiking and cultural visits.
Faits intéressants
- •Göttweig Abbey houses Austria's largest Baroque staircase, featuring a fresco by Paul Troger depicting Emperor Charles VI as Apollo.
- •The abbey's library contains around 150,000 books and manuscripts, including rare religious engravings and musical manuscripts.
- •The site has been continuously inhabited since about 2000 BC, with archaeological finds from the Neolithic to Roman periods.
- •Göttweig Abbey is part of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its cultural landscape and historic monasteries.
- •The abbey is home to the highest apricot orchard in Austria's Wachau Valley, producing famous apricot jams and wines.
- •A commemorative Austrian euro coin was issued in 2006 featuring Göttweig Abbey as its main motif.
Histoire
Founded in 1083 by Bishop Altmann of Passau, Göttweig Abbey initially served as a monastery of canons regular before adopting the Rule of St.
Benedict in 1094.
It flourished under Abbot Hartmann, becoming a renowned seat of learning.
The abbey declined during the 15th and 16th centuries, nearly becoming deserted by 1564.
Restoration began under Abbot Michael Herrlich, who rebuilt the monastery after a devastating fire in 1580.
Another major fire in 1718 led to a grand Baroque reconstruction under Abbot Gottfried Bessel, with designs by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt.
Since 1625, it has been part of the Austrian Benedictine Congregation and remains active today.
Guide du lieu
Imperial Staircase1739
The largest Baroque staircase in Austria, designed by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt and decorated with a magnificent 1739 fresco by Paul Troger depicting Emperor Charles VI as Apollo, symbolizing power and enlightenment.
Abbey Library
A vast collection of approximately 150,000 books and manuscripts, including religious engravings, coins, antiquities, and musical manuscripts that survived World War II nearly intact.
Abbey Church and Cloister1072 (high altar dedication)
The church features a high altar dedicated in 1072 and contains the Erentrudis Chapel. The cloister includes late Gothic elements such as the choir, crypt, sacristies, and parts of the cross-wing now serving as a lapidarium.
Monastic School and Nunnery SiteEarly 12th century
Founded by Abbot Hartmann, the monastic school promoted strict Benedictine observance. The original nunnery at the hill's foot, later relocated to the summit, was home to Ava, the earliest known German-language woman poet.
Contact
Téléphone: 02732 855810