EXPERIENCES

Located in the middle of the country between Graz and Salzburg, Admont Benedictine Abbey in Austria claims to be home to nearly 200,000 books and is one of the largest monastic libraries in the world.

Finished in 1776, the architecture is that of a late-baroque gilded style, offering an elegant white view with rose and gold accents of color. The library is beautifully decorated, and the white two-story closet-style bookcases are filled to the brim with theological volumes. It was designed by Josef Hueber and construction of the library began in 1074.

Dedicated to Saint Blaise, Admont Abbey was founded by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg with the legacy of the late Saint Hemma of Gurk, and settled by monks from St. Peter’s Abbey in Salzburg under abbot Isingrin. Early on a convent was founded on site for the education of girls of noble families. The educational tradition has remained strong ever since. The monastery prospered artistically during the Middle Ages and possessed a productive scriptorium. From 1641, the abbey was a member of the Salzburg Congregation, which in 1930 was merged into the present Austrian Congregation of the Benedictine Confederation.

The site may be visited freely on specific days and times by those of all ages and any religious affiliation.

The 2022 hours are:

April, May, June, October: WED – SUN: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m
March, November, December: FRI – SUN: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m
July, August, September: MON – SUN: 09:00 – 17:00

Photo credit by Valdemaras D. on Unsplash