St. Florian's Priory, Augustinian monastery in Sankt Florian, Austria
St. Florian's Priory is an Augustinian monastery in Upper Austria distinguished by large Baroque buildings with columned halls, staircases, and ornate facades. The complex includes a basilica with altar, monastic quarters, an expansive library, and decorated halls with colored wall paintings and plasterwork.
The monastery was founded in 1071 by Altmann of Passau and became an important religious and scholarly center. Major rebuilding between 1686 and 1708 gave it the Baroque appearance it has today, shaped by architects Carlo Carlone and Jakob Prandtauer.
The library houses one of Austria's largest book collections, including medieval manuscripts, early printed works, and texts in multiple languages. Visitors can see in the elegant shelves how scholars worked here across centuries to preserve knowledge.
Visitors can explore the monastery on guided tours that showcase the basilica, marble hall, and library spaces. It is best to navigate on foot and allow time for the large halls and numerous staircases that connect the different levels.
The famous Bruckner organ in the basilica was played by composer Anton Bruckner himself, who served as organist from 1848 to 1855. This instrument survives in good condition today and continues to be used for concerts and services.
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