Stift Pöllau

Stift Pöllau is a former Augustinian monastery featuring a large central dome and multiple buildings arranged with symmetrical wings and detailed stone facades. The complex today houses a music school, exhibition spaces, and the European Center for Physics History and Echophysics, established in 2010.

The monastery was founded in 1504 when eight canons relocated from Vorau. It operated until 1785, when Emperor Joseph II's reforms led to its closure.

The church displays elaborate frescoes by Mathias von Görz showing saints and martyrs without ornate stucco work. These paintings shape the interior experience and reflect the artistic choices of that era.

The complex is generally open to visitors, though the music school and exhibition spaces may have varying hours. It is best to check specific access conditions before visiting, especially if you wish to see particular areas.

The church was designed to mirror St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and earned the regional nickname 'Petersdom of Styria'. This unexpected echo of Italian Renaissance architecture in Austria creates a remarkable architectural connection between distant places.

Location: Pöllau

Address: Schloß 1 u. a.

GPS coordinates: 47.30250,15.83360

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:02