Kurzinfos:
- What is Stift Admont and where is it located? Stift Admont is an impressive Benedictine monastery situated in the town of Admont, Styria. It is the largest monastery in Austria and is nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the Gesäuse National Park.
- What makes Stift Admont special and unique? Stift Admont is renowned for its magnificent monastery library, considered the largest monastery library in the world. It houses an impressive collection of over 200,000 books, including rare manuscripts, incunabula, and valuable prints.
- How old are the books in the monastery library at Stift Admont? Many of the books in the monastery library at Stift Admont date back several centuries, with some even from the medieval period. These historical works provide insights into the intellectual development and knowledge of past eras.
- Can the monastery library at Stift Admont be visited? Yes, you can find the opening hours here.
- How much is the admission fee? You can find the library admission prices here. Admission to the monastery is free.
- Where is Stift Admont located exactly? Kirchplatz 1, 8911 Admont
Stift Admont, idyllically located in the picturesque region of the Austrian Alps, is a cultural gem that attracts visitors from around the world. With its magnificent architecture, impressive artworks, and the famous monastery library, Stift Admont is an essential destination for culture and history enthusiasts. The library and museum of the Admont Abbey welcome approximately 60,000 to 70,000 visitors annually.
Stift Admont in General
Founded in 1074, Stift Admont is the largest monastery in Austria and an important spiritual center. With its magnificent baroque architecture and impressive size, the monastery exudes a majestic aura. Surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, it is located just a few minutes’ drive from the Gesäuse.
In addition to the monastery library, Stift Admont houses a magnificent abbey church and a museum that showcases historical treasures. The abbey garden invites visitors to linger and relax while offering a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside.
The Monastery Library
The monastery library at Stift Admont is undoubtedly the main attraction for visitors. Completed in 1776, the abbey library has been referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and is the largest monastic library in the world. It was built in the magnificent Baroque style of the 18th century, showcasing architectural mastery.
The bookshelves of the monastery library are adorned with intricate woodcarvings and house an impressive collection of valuable books, including rare manuscripts, historical works, and scientific treatises. The ceiling frescoes, created by renowned artist Bartolomeo Altomonte, depict allegorical stories and add a fascinating artistic dimension to the library.
The library’s book hall contains approximately 70,000 volumes, while the entire book collection of the monastery comprises 200,000 volumes. It includes over 1,400 partially medieval manuscripts, as well as nearly 1,000 hand-printed incunabula and early prints. Some of these works are also displayed for public viewing.
Visitors can explore the monastery library independently or as part of guided tours. Experienced guides provide interesting insights into its history and even reveal the library’s secret passages.
The admission fee also includes access to the impressive Natural History Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Gothic Museum, and the collection of Hannes Schwarz.
The Monastery
Stift Admont itself is a place of great cultural significance. In addition to the monastery library, it houses a magnificent abbey church that impresses with its baroque architecture. Admission is free.
The facade of the abbey church is adorned with magnificent designs, featuring statues, columns, and ornamental details that give it a majestic character.
Inside the abbey church, visitors are greeted by an impressive world of art and spirituality. Paintings, sculptures, and exquisite frescoes adorn the walls, telling stories from the Bible and Christian tradition. The main altar of the abbey church is particularly worth seeing.
The abbey garden invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll and provides a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Here, one can enjoy the beauty of the landscaped gardens, fragrant flower beds, and picturesque views of the surrounding mountain landscape.