Stift Griffen, Medieval monastery in Griffen, Austria.

Stift Griffen is a former Premonstratensian abbey west of the market town of Griffen. Its core is the late Romanesque three-aisled pillar basilica of Maria Himmelfahrt, whose facade cuts into the northeast section of the old churchyard wall. Baroque abbey buildings adjoin to the northwest, and a high Gothic defensive wall with preserved loopholes and a wall-walk surrounds the site.

A bishop from Bamberg founded the monastery in 1236 next to an existing parish church, and the Pope officially confirmed it in 1237. The site then developed into a major religious center for the region.

The Premonstratensians, also called Norbertines after their founder Norbert of Xanten, were mostly priests in a white habit devoted to pastoral care and communal prayer. The village name Grebinjski Klošter in Slovene derives directly from the monastery. Since the abbey's dissolution, the former abbey church has served as the parish church of Griffen.

The complex sits centrally in Griffen and is easily reached on foot, with the main church typically open to visitors. Plan enough time to explore the grounds, as the buildings and walls offer much to discover.

A small garden house called the Mönchshäusl dates from 1689 and once served a provost as a private retreat. This hidden building reveals the personal side of monastic life that usually remains unseen.