Nonnberg Abbey, Benedictine monastery in Altstadt, Salzburg, Austria
Nonnberg Abbey sits at the foot of Festungsberg in Salzburg's Old Town and combines Romanesque foundations with Gothic additions from later periods. The church showcases detailed murals, stone carvings, and a choir where daily services continue to be held.
The abbey was founded in 714 by Saint Rupert, who entrusted it to Saint Erentrudis as its first abbess to lead the growing community. Over the centuries it remained active and underwent several rebuilding phases that shaped its current appearance.
The name honors Saint Nonnas, a revered figure whose memory remains present in the daily life of the community. The spaces show signs of long spiritual devotion, with artwork and decorations maintained by the sisters across generations.
The church opens early in the morning and stays open until dusk, with hours adjusting through the seasons. Visitors should know that regular services and the sisters' prayer schedule may limit when certain areas are accessible.
The crypt beneath the church features free-standing columns with a distinctive network vault, showing rare Romanesque craftsmanship. It houses the tomb of Saint Erentrudis and a crucifix from around 1300, making it a space that reveals hidden treasures beyond the main church floor.
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