Rein Abbey Cistercian Monastery

Stift Rein, also known as Abbatia BMV de Runa or Abbatia Beatae Mariae Virginis, is a Cistercian abbey located in the municipality of Gratwein-Straßengel in the region of Styria.Founded in 1129 by Margrave Leopold the Strong of Steyr, it is the 38th monastery of the order and holds the distinction of being the oldest existing Cistercian monastery in the world. This is because all previously established monasteries were dissolved either during the French Revolution or through secularization in Germany.

In 1276, nobles from Styria and Carinthia made a significant commitment by taking the Rein oath, which had a profound impact on the history of Austria.The issue at hand revolved around determining the rightful ruler of the empire.Ottokar II Premysl ascended to power through his marriage to one of the last two Babenberg women. On the other hand, Rudolf von Habsburg, hailing from Switzerland, was known for his ambitious pursuit of social advancement.In the Oath of Rein, the aristocrats supported Rudolf, who then became the sovereign, marking the start of the 640-year Habsburg rule.

The number of monks experienced a significant decline towards the end of the 15th century. This decline was initially caused by the devastating impact of the plague, and later exacerbated by the rapid spread of the Reformation.The number of monks began to increase again only at the end of the 16th century.During the Counter-Reformation, the abbots of the monastery played a crucial role as advisors to the sovereigns.Furthermore, Reiner Fathers established four new monasteries during the period spanning the 12th to the 17th centuries.

From 1959 to 1990, the monastery served as the home for the convent of the Hohenfurth monastery. The convent had been expelled from Czechoslovakia and during this period, the monastery was known by the dual name “Stift Rein-Hohenfurt”.

Pope John Paul II elevated the collegiate church to the status of a minor basilica in 1979.Until 2019, it served as the deanery church for the former Deanery Rein, which encompassed a total of 14 parishes.