Saint George's Abbey, Längsee

Saint George's Abbey is a Benedictine monastery on the shores of Lake Längsee in Carinthia, comprising a church, residential buildings, educational rooms, and seminar spaces. The structures were expanded and linked over centuries, with Roman foundations and Baroque details visible throughout.

The monastery was founded in the early 1000s by a countess whose daughter became the first abbess, arriving from another convent. The community expanded over generations and underwent major architectural transformation during the Baroque period.

The site reflects the rhythms of monastic life that have unfolded here over centuries, offering visitors a window into daily routines and communal practices. The church and common areas show how prayer and community living were woven together.

The monastery functions today as an educational center with an active church, overnight accommodations, and meeting spaces for visitors. The Diocese of Gurk manages the site, so visitors can choose between guided tours and independent exploration.

The abbey once operated its own apothecary and cared for large numbers of ill people who came seeking treatment. This blend of prayer and practical healing made the place a center of care beyond the spiritual realm.