Heiligenkreuz Abbey, monastery in Heiligenkreuz, Lower Austria
Heiligenkreuz is a Cistercian abbey in the Wienerwald region featuring baroque architecture with stone buildings containing a large church with high vaults and stained glass windows from various centuries. The complex includes cloisters, chapels, a refectory, and monastic living quarters arranged around a central courtyard.
The abbey was founded in 1135 and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Cistercian monasteries. It survived the Turkish attack of 1683 and was subsequently expanded with major baroque artworks by Italian artists during reconstruction.
The abbey remains a living center of monastic prayer and Cistercian tradition where monks follow a daily rhythm of worship and labor. Visitors experience this way of life through the quiet corridors and observe how the community uses the spaces for reflection and work.
The abbey is open daily and located approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Vienna, accessible by car or train with bus connection. Guided tours operate at various times and audio guides are available, with a monastery restaurant serving regional food nearby.
The abbey preserves an important relic: a piece of the cross of Christ kept in the church and revered by believers and visitors. Additionally, the monks have recorded their Gregorian chants which have been distributed as CDs worldwide.
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