Michaelbeuern Abbey

Dorfbeuern, Austria

A monastic cell existed in Dorfbeuern as early as 736 or thereabouts, referred to in the Aachen Monastery Register in 817. After the Hungarian wars, reconstruction began in 977 with an endowment from Emperor Otto II. More times of crisis came upon the abbey with the fire of 1346, mismanagement of the prebendal income and the effects of the Reformation.

From the 17th century however Michaelbeuern began a long period of prosperity, which led to ambitious building works, for example the Baroque high altar of 1691 in the abbey church, by Meinrad Guggenbichler and Johann Michael Rottmayr. At this time more than twenty-five monks of Michaelbeuern gained their doctorates at the Benedictine University of Salzburg. The community also took on many pastoral responsibilities in the surrounding parishes. During the National Socialist period the monks were expelled, but returned after World War II. The abbey church, re-romanised, was re-dedicated in 1950.

The abbey today is a thriving Benedictine community, well known as an educational and cultural centre. The abbey runs a school and owns different business like a farm, a district heating plant, a biogas plant and a participation in a brewery (Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln).

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Details

Founded: 8th century
Category: Religious sites in Austria

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Magda Hofstetter (2 years ago)
The pastor constantly preaches about donations to Ukraine in the church. Why should the citizens always donate? Why doesn't the church give some of their property away? Almost everything in Michaelbeuern belongs to them anyway! Just something to think about...
Monika Fuchs (2 years ago)
You can't go there like in other abbeys or Klodter eonfach. You have to register in advance and are then only possible with a guide. Many om for free, even the host doesn't open until 4 p.m. Too bad, I would have liked to see it. Many km for nothing.
Eva Reichl (3 years ago)
Always worth a trip!
Josef Fuchs (4 years ago)
A very nice monastery with an extensive library!
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