Gars Abbey

Gars Abbey is an Augustinian monastery set along the Inn River with multiple buildings arranged around a central courtyard displaying Baroque architectural features. The pilaster church forms the visual centerpiece of the complex.

Founded in 768 by cleric Boso at the request of Duke Tassilo III of Bavaria, the site initially housed Benedictine monks. The transition to Augustinian canons occurred in 1128 and shaped its subsequent development.

The monastery holds religious artworks including a 1430 cast stone Pieta that originally functioned as an altar sculpture. These pieces reflect the site's deep spiritual heritage.

The site remains accessible to visitors exploring the grounds while it continues operating as a secondary school and teacher training facility. The green spaces and riverside access make visiting comfortable year-round.

During the Kulturkampf period between 1873 and 1894, the community shrank to just three members due to political pressure. Later the monastery expanded its mission internationally, establishing a presence in Brazil.