A breath of history
The abbey was founded by Leopold III and his wife Agnes in 1114. Then the margrave ordered the laying of the foundation stone for this unusual place. As soon as it was established, it began to play an important role for the entire region. It was not only a place filled with culture, but also became a scientific center. You can still see important works of medieval art here and admire architectural styles – Romanesque, Gothic and neo-Gothic elements.
The abbey was built near the no longer existing Babenberg residence. The church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the years 1114–1136 in the Romanesque style in the form of a three-nave basilica with a transept and a presbytery closed with a semi-circular apse. But that was only the beginning. The following years brought numerous reconstructions.
photo: Stift Klosterneuburg / Rupert Mühlbacher
Currently, the main tour route leads through the medieval cloister, which can easily be called the heart of the entire monastery. Tourists move on to subsequent works of art located in the next rooms. One of the most important monuments is the seven-armed candelabra of Agnes from the 12th century. You also cannot miss the crown of the archduchy, founded in 1616 – the Holy Crown of the Country. This souvenir emphasizes the inseparable connection of the Klosterneuburg Abbey with the establishment of Austria. This crown, as the third holy crown of the Habsburgs, was given to the abbey by Maximilian III.
The next steps will take us to the altar of Nicholas of Verdun. It is located in the chapel of Saint Leopold. The triptych we admire was created in 1181. It is one of the most important examples of late Romanesque goldsmithery at the end of the 12th century. It contains as many as 51 enamel paintings presenting scenes from the Old and New Testament. Just like in the 11th century, it still delights experts, art lovers and visitors to the abbey today. It presents the most important biblical events in a very clear and simple way. The crucifixion of Jesus is in the center, but there are also images of angels, personifications of virtues and Latin maxims. The altar, although easy to understand for medieval Catholics, also has an unexpectedly allegorical dimension.
We can choose several sightseeing routes. It is worth choosing the one that also leads through the monastery church. Thanks to this, we will see the greatest treasures of the abbey – baroque furnishings, the imperial oratory of Charles VI and the seventeenth-century organ preserved in its original form.
photo: Stift Klosterneuburg / Alexander Haiden
can be visited all year round. The guided tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and costs 11 euros per person for groups of 10 or more. We don’t have to worry that we won’t have anything to do in the abbey for the rest of the day. It is also home to… the oldest vineyard in Austria!
One place, a thousand (guilty) stories
The Altar of Nicholas of Verdun from 1181, the crown of Maximilian III from 1616 locked in the treasury, 1,200 manuscripts in the abbey’s library, the Terrena room with monumental figures of Atlantes by Lorenzo Mattielli… The abbey will surprise us with its collections. You will also be delighted with the opportunity to visit the oldest vineyard in Austria.
The beginnings of viticulture in the Abbey date back to 1114. Let us remind you that it was this year that the cornerstone for the construction of the entire complex was laid.
Next to the monastery buildings, there are vineyards on over 100 hectares. The sightseeing route starts in the Jungherrengarten garden, leads through the winepress in the former church of the Canonesses Regular and ends at the Baroque cellar complex.
One day trip
Everyone who would like to see it with their own eyes should book a one-day trip to Vienna just to visit the Abbey. This is unquestionable – the monastery is not only distinguished by its architecture and famous works of medieval art, but also surprises (even with hectares of vines) at every step. It is undoubtedly one of the most important cultural treasures in Austria.
photo: Stift Klosterneuburg
The abbey, located only four kilometers from the border of Vienna, has been one of the most important points on the map of Austria for 900 years. The proximity to a large city pays off with great connections. We can reach the abbey both by car (the journey takes about 40 minutes during rush hours) and by suburban transport (also about 40-45 minutes). It is worth using the services of a guide who will best tell you about this extraordinary place and its most important points.
Promotional material for the National Promotion Office of Austria.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
