The old and new, and science and faith come together at the impressive Admont Monastery.
The oldest monastery in Styria was first built back in 1074. The first monks came from a Benedictine abbey in Salzburg. A writing school was established in the 12th century and a grammar school was founded in 1644 which still exists today.
A fire destroyed the entire monastery in 1865; only the world famous library hall was spared from the ravages of the fire. The largest monastic library in the world is located in the east wing and houses a staggering 70,000 volumes which include precious manuscripts and early prints. The architecture of the hall itself is extremely impressive as it allows plenty of light to flood into the space and the ceiling is decorated with wonderful frescoes.
In addition to a museum of natural history and a museum of
art history, there is a museum of modern art and a museum workshop where you can practice writing in Gothic script or educate yourself about monastic medicine.
There is also plenty to see outside the monastery’s walls: a herb garden, a secret garden and a glass panoramic staircase which will beckon you to discover the fabulous views up to the entrance to the Gesäuse National Park and the Haller Mauern mountain range.
For further information and to book, please visit:www.stiftadmont.at
You get a wonderful view of the monastery from the:
JUFA Hotel Schloss Röthelstein
The Baroque Castle Röthelstein provides the perfect setting! It is situated in the heart of the Gesäuse National Park, high in the mountains above the village of Admont which is well known for its Benedictine monastery. The hotel is also the perfect base from which to embark on a range of hikes across this beautiful region.
Tel: +43 (0)5 / 7083-320, Email: roethelstein@jufa.eu