Klosterneuburg Abbey

Klosterneuburg Abbey is situated in the charming town of Klosterneuburg, which is located northwest of Vienna in the region of Lower Austria.It is affiliated with the Congregation of Austrian Augustinian Canons.The complex has its origins in the 12th century when it was founded by the Austrian Margrave Leopold III. He dedicated it to the saint and it was built in collaboration with his wife, Agnes von Waiblingen.

The original foundation of the monastery consisted of Augustinian nuns and remained so until 1722.The Chorfrauenkirche St. Magdalena on Stiftsplatz still stands today, with its remains well-preserved, serving as a testament to its historical significance.Over the course of later centuries, the complex underwent multiple expansions and reconstructions, resulting in its current appearance as a blend of medieval, baroque, and historicist architectural styles.Klosterneuburg Abbey is widely recognized as a vibrant hub of the Catholic faith. Not only does it boast a significant art collection, but it is also home to Austria’s oldest and one of its largest wineries.

Klosterneuburg Abbey oversees a total of 27 parishes, with 24 located in Vienna and Lower Austria, one in Norway, and two in the USA.The parishes of the collegiate church and St. Martin in Klosterneuburg have been under the ownership of the monastery since its establishment. Additional parishes were gradually incorporated into the monastery’s property through expansion efforts or as a result of reforms implemented by Emperor Joseph II, known as the Josephine reform.The parishes that are currently being served include:

Klosterneuburg: Stiftspfarre, Kierling , St. Leopold, St. Martin, Kritzendorf , Weidling , Höflein
Rest of Lower Austria: Haselbach , Korneuburg , Langenzersdorf , Reinprechtspölla , Stoitzendorf , Tattendorf
Vienna: Maria Lourdes , Meidling , Maria Hietzing , Grinzing , Heiligenstadt , Kahlenbergerdorf , Neustift am Walde , Nußdorf, Sievering , Donaufeld , Floridsdorf
Norway: Bergen
USA: St. Patrick and St. Rocco in the Diocese of Rockville Centre , New York

As per the social statute implemented in 2000, the monastery is obligated to allocate a minimum of 10% of its business-generated income towards social causes. However, it is common for the monastery to contribute even larger amounts for these purposes.There are certain projects that focus on supporting street children in Romania and older individuals in Moldova.We also provide support to smaller campaigns, such as child protection centers in India and Honduras, women’s aid projects in Afghanistan, and an eye clinic in South Sudan.

Collegiate Church

The Collegiate Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary was constructed in 1114 under the patronage of Margrave Leopold III. It was officially established and consecrated in 1136.The original church was a Romanesque structure with three naves, a transept, and an unfinished westwork.During the 17th and early 18th centuries, the church underwent a series of three stages of redesign, adopting the baroque architectural style.The project included a group of highly esteemed artists, including Giovanni Battista Carlone, Pietro Maino Maderno, Peter Strudel, Antonio Bellucci, Matthias Steinl, Johann Michael Rottmayr, and Santino Bussi.The organ in the collegiate church, built in 1642 by Johann Freundt from Passau, is renowned and considered one of the most significant instruments in Austria.

During the late 19th century, architect Josef Schömer undertook the reconstruction of the collegiate church based on the plans and historicist principles of Friedrich von Schmidt. The architectural forms employed were a combination of neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic styles. As part of this renovation, the existing Baroque-Gothic north tower, dating back to the 17th century, was enhanced with a neo-Gothic design. Additionally, the south tower was demolished and reconstructed in a neo-Gothic style.The westwork and exterior of the nave (southwest facade) feature neo-Romanesque additions. These additions include round arch friezes and semicircular columns arranged in a pilaster strip structure. These elements pay homage to the original Romanesque building constructed in 1114.

Cloister of the Klosterneuburg Abbey

The medieval sections that have managed to survive are located to the north-west of Klosterneuburg Abbey’s main church.The cloister, constructed from 1250 to 1350, showcases a remarkable six-part ribbed vault that adds to its overall grandeur.Following the devastating fire of 1330, the abbey was initially adorned with exquisite stained glass, a few remnants of which can still be found today in the Abbey Museum and the Leopold Chapel.The restoration of the cloister took place from 1869 to 1881.

The former chapter house, known as Leopold chapel today, is situated to the east of the cloister. Beneath it lies the crypt, where the founder Margrave Leopold III and his wife Agnes are interred.Following the canonization of the margrave in 1485, this region underwent significant development and became a significant destination for pilgrims.The room was adorned with stucco work by Jakob Schlag and frescoes painted by Johann Christoph Prandtl between 1677 and 1680.The ceiling scenes depict a collection of miracles in which St. Leopold is believed to have played a significant role.This room also houses the renowned Verduner Altar, which was erected in 1181. In 1936, a reliquary for the bones of St. Leopold was added above the altar.Every year, on and around the anniversary of the saint’s death (15 November), the chapel presents his skull relic.

Located on the northern side of the cloister is the former fountain house. This architectural structure was constructed with a unique nine-sided floor plan and was initially designed to house a water basin.The seven-armed chandelier, which dates back to 1135, is the oldest preserved piece of equipment in the collegiate church. It has been standing here since the 20th century.Originally, it was located in the presbytery of the Romanesque collegiate church and was only relocated during the baroque renovation of the church.He was likely born in Verona, cast in bronze, and later donated to the monastery by the margravial couple.According to the sources, the candlestick is referred to as “Sambucus” due to its resemblance to a tree. It was believed that the interior of the candlestick held the remnants of the elder tree, which was associated with the legendary veil of Agnes.However, the candlestick’s appearance is rooted in theological backgrounds.The Jewish menorah has been intentionally reinterpreted in the Christian context as the “Root of Jesse,” representing the family tree of Christ. The seven arms of the menorah symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Located in the southwest corner of the cloister, the Wehinger Chapel (also known as the Freisinger Chapel) was consecrated in the year 1394.The site functions as the final resting place for the brothers Berthold (Bishop of Freising, who passed away in 1410) and Reinhard von Wehingen (who passed away in 1394).However, the chapel underwent significant reduction in size during the 17th century and was subsequently redesigned in the 19th century.With the exception of a few architectural elements, only the tombs of the medieval patrons that were of high quality have managed to endure over time.

Leopoldihof (Kuchlhof)

To the west of the cloister, there are additional areas of the Altstift that are grouped around the Leopoldihof.The inner courtyard is commonly referred to as “Kuchlhof” due to its historical association with the former location of the monastery kitchen.The entrance to the Gothic gate hall, dating back to the 14th century, is adorned with seating niches on both sides.Located directly behind on the west side is the magnificent former two-storey palace of Margrave Leopold III. This splendid structure, constructed in the early 12th century, served as a grand residence for the margravial couple.This building underwent multiple reconstructions in later periods.During the late 15th century, several architectural elements were incorporated into buildings, such as the addition of the Gothic bay window, vestibule, and cruciform windows.In 1860, the establishment of the fruit and viticulture school marked a significant milestone. This institution eventually evolved into the renowned Klosterneuburg School of Viticulture.The monastery archive is currently located here.

On the opposite side stands the Old Prelature, a structure that dates back to the 12th century and was originally built as a freestanding building.Its current appearance was only established in the early 17th century.Simultaneously, the construction of the New Prince’s Wing took place in the northern section of the courtyard. This wing was specifically designed to provide accommodation for esteemed individuals of high rank.Located in the eastern corner is Augustinus Hall, a historic building that was originally constructed in 1508 and underwent a complete redesign in 1725.Currently, this room serves as a venue for various events and concerts.The courtyard’s fountain has a rich history, with its origins dating back to 1592. However, it is worth noting that the figure of St. Leopold, which adorns the fountain, was not crafted until 1680.

Baroque Imperial Wing

The baroque monastery was constructed in 1730 as a monastery residence for Emperor Charles VI, following the designs of Donato Felice d’Allio and Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach. The plans aimed to expand the monument in a grand manner.However, the construction abruptly came to a halt when the emperor unexpectedly passed away in 1740.At that particular moment, only one-eighth of the intended facility had been constructed.The completion of one of the courtyards, known as the Kaiserhof, according to Joseph Kornhäusel’s plans, took place between 1834 and 1842. This marked a significant milestone in the construction of the “Austrian Escorial,” as it meant that at least a quarter of the entire project had been finished.

The outer facades exhibit a distinct baroque style and boast intricate detailing, with the east facade being particularly noteworthy in its richness.The central area of the building was initially designed to project outward in a convex shape. This design allows for the inclusion of a balcony, grand columns, and a large dome adorned with the imperial crown.However, the second cupola, which is positioned above the pavilion in the north-eastern corner, displays the distinctive Austrian archduke’s hat.

The Sala Terrena, located in the middle of the east wing, is currently being used as a visitor reception area. Despite being unfinished, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the construction process of a baroque structure.The purpose of this room was to serve as a grotto or garden hall, and it was designed with that intention. The renowned sculptor Lorenzo Mattielli was commissioned by the imperial court to create the impressive male bearer figures, also known as atlases, in approximately 1735.

The Imperial Apartments are situated on the first floor of the east wing and can be easily reached through the grand Imperial Staircase.From this point, you can access the Marble Hall, which is separated into the lower area by enormous columns.Daniel Gran painted the ceiling fresco in 1749, which depicts the Glory of the House of Austria.It celebrates the grandeur of Austria and the historical dynasties that once governed the country, namely the Babenbergs, Habsburgs, and the House of Habsburg-Lorraine.The complete title is “Honour, Glory, and Majesty of the House of Austria: A Historical Journey from the Babenberg Family to the Habsburg Family and Consolidation in the Lotharingian Family.”The fresco depicts various groups:

In the middle an obelisk depicting the Holy Margrave Leopold III.
Allegory of the Austrian Majesty . A female figure as an allegory of Austrian majesty ( equating to Maria Theresa ) is presented with the three most important crowns of the Habsburgs: the Roman-German imperial crown, the Hungarian crown of St. Stephen, and the Bohemian crown of Wenceslas.
Allegory of Austrian Bravery . She is represented by Leopold V , who triumphs over the Turks with the Austrian shield.
Allegory of Austrian prudence and steadfastness . Prudence is symbolized by a woman holding a snake, while steadfastness is crushed by a pillar and a many-headed hydra.
The union of the Houses of Habsburg and Lorraine is embodied by the ruling couple Maria Theresa and Franz Stephan von Lorraine .

To the north, there are the living quarters of Emperor Charles VI, which were completed while the Emperor was still alive.Alongside d’Allio, the brothers Santino and Gaetano Bussi were also instrumental in creating the magnificent furnishings.The equipment’s iconography is exclusively inspired by Charles VI and his motto, “Constantia et Fortitudine” (meaning “with steadfastness and valor”).The fireplace reliefs and ceiling stucco in the room depict a variety of allegories and virtues that correspond to each other. These artistic elements not only serve a spatial purpose but also symbolize the wisdom of the emperor.The room also features tapestries from the Brussels workshop of Urbain Leyniers, which depict scenes from the novel “Télémaque” by François Fénelon. These tapestries are particularly noteworthy.However, Charles VI only spent one night in these rooms, specifically from November 14 to 15, 1739. Unfortunately, he passed away the following year.

Building of the Stiftsplatz

Located to the south of the monastery, there is a generously sized square adorned with the renowned Tutz Column positioned in its center.In 1381, a Gothic light column was generously donated by Michael Tutz, a citizen of Klosterneuburg. This remarkable structure served as a plague column and provided illumination to the nearby cemetery.The artwork was most likely created by Michael Knab, an artist known for his contributions to St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. This particular piece depicts various scenes from the Passion of Christ.

The Binderstadel is located in the southwest corner of the square.The late-Gothic hall, constructed in approximately 1500, is home to the renowned giant barrel, which has a capacity of 56,000 liters. Since 1704, it has been a tradition to slide down the barrel during the Leopoldi Festival, which takes place annually on November 15. This event is known as the “barrel slide.”

The hiking guide from the Biedermeier period titled “Vienna’s surroundings for twenty hours in the vicinity” by Adolf Schmidl from 1835 also provides a description of this bindery featuring a giant barrel.

The bindery is a high vault, which contains the giant cask in one of its special side compartments. it was completed in 1704 under the cellar master Johann Kees in the monastery by the then monastery binders, holds 999 buckets, and a bucket keg lying on the bung makes the thousand full. […] It is surrounded by scaffolding, on which one climbs up to the bung on the right-hand side, and then slides down the other side, according to the cellar law.

The Sebastiani chapel, consecrated in 1421, is located nearby as well.However, in 1787, the structure was desecrated and repurposed as a shed, despite the fact that a newly constructed crypt for canons had been installed beneath it not long before.The chapel was not converted again until 1965, following the plans of Wilhelm Zotti.The anteroom of Klosterneuburg was created using the chapter hall of the St. Bernhard monastery near Horn, which dates back to around 1270. This chapter hall was carefully relocated and reconstructed in Klosterneuburg.

Remnants of Leopold VI’s palace complex can still be found in the southern area of the square. This complex also housed the Capella Speciosa, which was consecrated in 1222.Today, remnants of the walls and foundations of this complex are still visible.

The former Chorfrauenkirche is located in the eastern area of the Stiftsplatz.The structure symbolizes the sole remaining part of the women’s monastery, established in 1133 alongside the introduction of the Augustinian canons.The church was reconstructed during the 14th century, but it remained vacant following the passing of the final choir lady in 1568.In 1722, the building underwent a desecration and was subsequently divided into two floors. These floors are currently being utilized for commercial purposes.

Art Collection and Museum

The Abbey Museum holds the distinction of being one of the oldest museums in existence.The institution was established in 1774 under the leadership of provost Ambros Lorenz (1772-1781). It has gained recognition primarily for its impressive assortment of medieval art.Some of the notable works include the Verdun Altar, also known as the great Albrecht Altar, created around 1438. Additionally, there are works by Rueland Frueauf the Elder, dating back to around 1500, and the Babenberger family tree, created around 1490.The museum also contains significant examples of Gothic sculpture, including the renowned “Klosterneuburg Madonna” (circa 1300).

The treasury, which has been open to the public since 2011, features a remarkable collection of ivory work, goldsmith work, and paraments spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. These items are displayed separately, highlighting their significant value.Among the objects on display are the hat of the Austrian archduke, known as the veil monstrance (1714), and various items connected to St. Leopold.The historic treasury cabinets, dating back to 1677, have been seamlessly incorporated into the redesign, adding a unique touch to the space.

In the subsequent centuries, the monastery primarily focused on acquiring depictions of St. Leopold and scenic views of the Klosterneuburg monastery.Included in the collection are artworks created by the talented young artist, Egon Schiele.In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards collecting modern and contemporary church art.

In 2011, the art collection received a substantial boost from the estate of Alfred Sammer. This generous contribution encompasses a wide range of artistic mediums, including paintings, graphics, and sculptures spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.Among them are works by Josef Mikl and Markus Prachensky, among others.

Klosterneuburg Abbey has been honoring contemporary artists since 2008 through the prestigious St. Leopold Peace Prize.The competition’s topic combines a religious background with a commitment to humanitarianism.

Vienna, Austria