Wilten Abbey

Wilten Abbey, located in the district of Innsbruck at the foot of the Bergisel, is a Premonstratensian monastery that was founded in 1138 by Bishop Reginbert von Brixen. The Wilten Abbey is not only a place of worship and learning, but also a home to one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious boys’ choirs. The Wilten Abbey and its adjacent basilica offer visitors a glimpse into the artistic and architectural heritage of Tyrol, as well as a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and significance of the Wilten Abbey, and why it is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Innsbruck.

The History of the Wilten Abbey

The Wilten Abbey has a long and fascinating history that spans over eight centuries. The origins of the monastery can be traced back to the legend of the giant Haymon, who is said to have founded the abbey in the 10th century after slaying a dragon. However, the historical evidence suggests that the Wilten Abbey was established in 1138 by Bishop Reginbert von Brixen, who invited the Premonstratensian order to settle in the area. The Premonstratensians, also known as the Norbertines, are a Catholic religious order founded by St. Norbert of Xanten in 1120. They follow a rule based on the teachings of St. Augustine and are dedicated to both contemplation and active ministry.

The Wilten Abbey soon became a center of culture and education in Tyrol, attracting many scholars and artists. The abbey also played an important role in the political and religious affairs of the region, especially during the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation. The Wilten Abbey suffered several calamities throughout its history, such as fires, plagues, wars, and earthquakes. The most devastating event occurred in 1644, when the entire church collapsed due to a landslide. The abbey was rebuilt in the baroque style between 1651 and 1665, under the supervision of the abbot Georg Tanner. The Wilten Abbey was secularized in 1807 by the Bavarian government, but was restored to the Premonstratensians in 1816 by Emperor Francis I of Austria. The Wilten Abbey continues to be a thriving community of canons, who serve the local parish and the Wilten Boys’ Choir.

The Architecture and Art of the Wilten Abbey

The Wilten Abbey is a masterpiece of baroque architecture and art, featuring a harmonious blend of colors, shapes, and ornaments. The exterior of the abbey is dominated by the twin towers, which are crowned by onion-shaped domes. The façade is decorated with pilasters, cornices, and statues of saints. The portal is adorned with the coat of arms of the Premonstratensian order and the inscription “Soli Deo Honor et Gloria” (To God Alone Honor and Glory).

The interior of the abbey is equally impressive, with a single-nave, vaulted ceiling, and a rich stucco work. The frescoes on the ceiling depict scenes from the life of St. Norbert, the founder of the order, and the history of the abbey. The high altar, designed by Johann Martin Gumpp the Younger, is a magnificent example of baroque sculpture, featuring a marble relief of the Last Supper and a painting of the Assumption of Mary. The cross altar, located in the center of the nave, is a revered relic from the late Gothic period, with a crucifix that survived the collapse of the church in 1644. The side altars are dedicated to various saints and patrons of the abbey, such as St. John, St. Joseph, St. Anthony, and St. Florian. The pulpit, carved by Johann Georg Witwer, is a remarkable work of art, with intricate details and figures of the four evangelists.

The Wilten Abbey also houses a valuable collection of paintings, sculptures, relics, and liturgical objects, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. The abbey library contains over 15,000 books and manuscripts, including rare and precious editions of the Bible, the works of St. Augustine, and the chronicles of the abbey. The abbey museum displays various items of historical and cultural interest, such as the giant Haymon statue, the Wilten monstrance, and the Wilten Madonna. The Wilten Abbey is a treasure trove of art and culture, offering visitors a unique insight into the history and spirituality of Tyrol.

The Wilten Boys’ Choir and the Wilten Basilica

The Wilten Abbey is also renowned for being the home of the Wilten Boys’ Choir, one of the oldest and most prestigious boys’ choirs in Europe. The Wilten Boys’ Choir traces its origins to the 13th century, when “singing boys” were part of the school of the Premonstratensian Canons. The choir was re-established in its modern form in 1946, after a hiatus during the World War II. The choir consists of about 150 boys aged between six and 18, who are divided into four groups according to their age and vocal skills. The choir performs a wide repertoire of sacred and secular music, ranging from Gregorian chants to contemporary compositions. The choir has toured extensively around the world, and has collaborated with renowned orchestras and conductors. The motto of the choir is “to sing to the glory of God and the joy of humanity”.

Adjacent to the Wilten Abbey is the Wilten Basilica, a stunning rococo church that serves as the parish church for the Wilten district. The Wilten Basilica was built between 1751 and 1756, on the site of a former Romanesque church that was dedicated to Our Lady of the Four Columns. The basilica is famous for its colorful façade, which features four statues of saints and a painting of the Virgin Mary. The interior of the basilica is decorated with elaborate stucco work, frescoes, and paintings by Franz Anton Zeiller and Matthäus Günther. The main attraction of the basilica is the miraculous image of Our Lady of Wilten, a wooden statue of Mary and Jesus that dates back to the 14th century. The statue is venerated by the faithful, who believe that it has healing powers. The basilica also contains the tombs of several prominent Tyrolean personalities, such as Andreas Hofer, the leader of the Tyrolean rebellion against Napoleon. The Wilten Basilica is a place of worship and pilgrimage, as well as a masterpiece of art and architecture.

The Surroundings and Attractions of the Wilten Abbey

The Wilten Abbey is not only a historical and cultural treasure in itself, but also a gateway to other attractions in the area. The abbey is located at the foot of the Bergisel, a hill that offers a panoramic view of Innsbruck and the Alps. On the Bergisel, you can visit the Kaiserjägermuseum, a museum dedicated to the history of the Tyrolean Imperial Infantry, who fought bravely against Napoleon and his allies. The museum displays various weapons, uniforms, medals, and documents from the 18th to the 20th century. The Bergisel is also the site of the Bergisel ski jump, a modern and impressive structure that hosts international ski jumping competitions. The ski jump was designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, and features a tower, a ramp, and a spectator area. From the ski jump, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Wilten Abbey, the Wilten Basilica, and the Wilten Cemetery.

The Wilten Cemetery is one of the largest and oldest cemeteries in Innsbruck, and is administered by the Wilten Abbey. The cemetery is a peaceful and serene place, where you can admire the monuments and gravestones of many prominent Innsbruck families. The cemetery also contains the graves of several important personalities, such as the poet Ludwig von Hörmann, the composer Josef Pembaur, the painter Franz von Defregger, and the physicist Victor Franz Hess, who won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of cosmic rays. The Wilten Cemetery is a place of history and memory, where you can pay your respects to the illustrious dead of Tyrol.

The Wilten Abbey is a remarkable destination for anyone who wants to discover the history, culture, and beauty of Innsbruck and Tyrol. The abbey and its surroundings offer a variety of attractions and experiences, from art and architecture to music and nature. The Wilten Abbey is a place where you can enjoy the past and the present, the sacred and the secular, the sublime and the spectacular.

Innsbruck, Austria