Heiligenkreuz Abbey
Heiligenkreuz Abbey
4.5
About
„Stift Heiligenkreuz“, which means the „Abbey of Heiligenkreuz“, is a beautiful and living Cistercian monastery, close to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Stift Heiligenkreuz is the second-oldest Cistercian monastery in the world and the oldest continuously active and inhabited one, now full of young vocations. In September 2007 it was blessed by an official visit by Pope Benedict XVI. Stift Heiligenkreuz, peacefully situated in the middle of the „Wienerwald“, the Vienna woods, is one of the most beautiful medieval monasteries in the world. It was founded in 1133 by St. Leopold III of the House of Babenberg. Currently the monastery has 105 members, 18 affiliated parishes and a Pontifical Theological Academy (founded 1802). Tour with audio guide: open daily; Monday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (last entry 10:30 a.m.), 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.) Sundays and public holidays: 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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zdaati
Vienna, Austria4,579 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Realy great and is a living cisterian monastery, second oldest. It was open but with no tours due to covid. You can park inside and the church is great. The whole area is very iteresting to walk around and enjoy. It is roughly only 30 minutrs drive from vienna is very worthfull to visit.
Written January 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahuja Triloki
Bengaluru, India684 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
Heiligenkreuz Abbey (German: Stift Heiligenkreuz) is a Cistercian monastery in the village of Heiligenkreuz in the southern part of the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), approx. 13 km north-west of Baden in Lower Austria province and about 30-40 minutes drive from Vienna. It is second-oldest Cistercian monastery in the world and the oldest continuously occupied Cistercian monastery in the world with over 900 years of uninterrupted history of monasticism. In September 2007 it was blessed by an official visit by Pope Benedict XVI.
Heiligenkreuz is both a tourist attraction as well as a deep spiritual experience for Christians.
The monks of Heiligenkreuz achieved world fame with their beautiful holy voices on releasing their CD, Chant - Music for paradise. This haunting, yet measured meditation music transports the listener to an inner spiritual place, full of strength, harmony and peace.
We took a guided tour (highly recommended) and our guide was one of the monks who was very well informed about the finer details of the monastery and its history. The monastery is opened daily including feast days (except Good Friday and Christmas Eve). Advance booking for a guided tour of the Abbey is not necessary.
The Courtyard: Here you will find two monuments by Giovanni Giuliani, an artist deeply connected to Heiligenkreuz. The Holy Trinity Column stands in the centre of the courtyard; St. Joseph's Fountain is on the far side. Both were made at the beginning of the 18th Century. The Holy Trinity Column shows the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (you can see her rising, in the middle of the column); the smaller panels around St. Joseph's Fountain show scenes from the Bible.
Currently the monastery has 93 monks, 18 affiliated parishes and a Pontifical Theological Academy (founded 1802) with around 180 students. Our tour also included a visit to the Academy. It is well equipped and also has
a well organised library having over 170,000 theological reference titles from world's most religions. The monastery has its own over 1000 publications per year.
There is an Austrian restaurant just outside the abbey where we had typical Austrian lunch.
At the entrance to the Abbey courtyard, opposite the Abbey entrance gate there is a well-stocked shop where you can buy souvenirs, Heiligenkreuz wine, schnapps, liqueurs and other delicious produce.
We spent about half a day at the abbey to fully appreciate the living monument and was worth the time spent though we are not Christians.
Written May 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer F
Boston56 contributions
Sep 2015
Fun facts about this place? It was built in 1133 and is the oldest (continuously) active monastery in the world. Like many of the similar sites I've visited, they use part of the grounds as a school which really livens up the place. Now the monks are just responsible for teaching, but in the past they did ALL the construction, masonry, and painting onsite... which honestly just makes it more impressing. I mean the wood inlays and stained glass alone kills me. The black and white window is original and goes back to the early 1200s. Never mind the mossy covered fountain inside a colorful stained glass cupola... it's like a Disney princess movie.
Written October 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStarTrek
5 contributions
Oct 2019
We had a few hours here and the experience was wonderful, we only did the parts that were free though, with no ticket. But that was very good, seeing the main courtyard, walking into the back section of the cathedral and around to the graveyard etc It's a big complex with restaurants just outside too. We took our own picnic lunch and ate in the main courtyard which was lovely. Very few crowds in October so we enjoyed it and saw the monks have their service inside the Cathedral. Very special.
Written November 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KCfromKCNY
New York City, NY375 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
The abbey is beautiful. Stunning architecture and hearing about how the monks live is incredible. Not to be missed if visiting the Vienna woods.
Written October 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marinapaulphoto
Chicago, IL67 contributions
Aug 2019
The courtyard of the Abbey welcomes you a tranquil atmosphere where you can see a trinity column and a fountain surrounded by sycamore trees, believed to be more than 200 years old. As soon as you walk inside, stained glass and gothic style architecture will impress anyone. The intricate details of the stained glass and the moss covered fountain was something that I have never have seen before.
So impressed with the cleanliness and the calm atmosphere.
So impressed with the cleanliness and the calm atmosphere.
Written August 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Outspokentraveler
Philadelphia, PA202 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
A guide through the Cistercian Abbey Stift Heiligenkreuz, translated “Holy Cross”, founded in 1133 a.d.
Let’s start In the present. First, it is oldest, active monastery in the world. Going back to 1133 a.d., its most recent, 17th century design is gothic — vaulted ceilings, dark stained wood, long hallways and spare of adornment; in fact, one unusual detail we noticed was that in the center court area, much if the stained glass was in black and white, devoid of the cascade of rich colors so ubiquitous in other churches, cathedrals, monasteries. The master artist, Giovanni Giuliani, joined the monastery as he shaped its final design in 1683; the mark of his genius is felt in nearly every gothic detail, especially the sculpture.
This is a very large monastery, nestled in the woods outside Vienna (20-30 minutes from the city center). We came upon it in winter, an hour from sunset. This only reinforced the Gothic nature of the architecture and the grim, spare nature of the design. In the center of a large open court was a very old, enormous plane tree near an ornate column.
To show its relevance in present times, unlike so many religious orders, its has grown, and several years ago, the monks produced a CD of European Benedictine monks, those dedicated to silent contemplation but also owning a rich heritage of medieval music, singing the deeply mystical Gregorian chants, which became quite popular. Eerie, evocative, even the hardhearted or the atheist would find it difficult not to be moved by this song in Latin...more than a song it is a sound. If you have never experienced Gregorian chants, do so, it is moving, uplifting, slightly grim with its deep male tones and very spiritual. Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. they sing Gregorian chants. We are sorry we missed this. We saw such an event once by accident in Provence, France, and I was moved to tears by the sheer power and lift to the high rafters of the male chorus.
Having visited many European monasteries, conveying the atmosphere of a such an ancient religious holy place, with so many centuries, so many stories and lives lost, so much darkness and dogma, you could really feel the weight of religious piety and its sacrifice as you walked through the dark stone halls.
In fact, while the photos may tell a better tale, certain themes rise above others. First, death. Given the average age of death in the majority of centuries preceding this one was 25, for these monks their reality was: death is inevitable yet it only it the gateway to a new and better life in Heaven. Such it is in so many religions. The lure of the afterlife frames the actions of the living.
Another? The beauty of every detail — the black-and-white stained glass, the moss-laden washing fountain, the crypt, the room in which they worked, the pews of the church, on and on…
Last, was the cold silence...even walking through on a guided tour, silence seemed to saturate the air. Our small group seemed swallowed up in the austere Gothic atmosphere.The silence, wrapped in cold winter air, is what still lingers, an aura of it hangs over the memory of this visit.
Let’s start In the present. First, it is oldest, active monastery in the world. Going back to 1133 a.d., its most recent, 17th century design is gothic — vaulted ceilings, dark stained wood, long hallways and spare of adornment; in fact, one unusual detail we noticed was that in the center court area, much if the stained glass was in black and white, devoid of the cascade of rich colors so ubiquitous in other churches, cathedrals, monasteries. The master artist, Giovanni Giuliani, joined the monastery as he shaped its final design in 1683; the mark of his genius is felt in nearly every gothic detail, especially the sculpture.
This is a very large monastery, nestled in the woods outside Vienna (20-30 minutes from the city center). We came upon it in winter, an hour from sunset. This only reinforced the Gothic nature of the architecture and the grim, spare nature of the design. In the center of a large open court was a very old, enormous plane tree near an ornate column.
To show its relevance in present times, unlike so many religious orders, its has grown, and several years ago, the monks produced a CD of European Benedictine monks, those dedicated to silent contemplation but also owning a rich heritage of medieval music, singing the deeply mystical Gregorian chants, which became quite popular. Eerie, evocative, even the hardhearted or the atheist would find it difficult not to be moved by this song in Latin...more than a song it is a sound. If you have never experienced Gregorian chants, do so, it is moving, uplifting, slightly grim with its deep male tones and very spiritual. Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. they sing Gregorian chants. We are sorry we missed this. We saw such an event once by accident in Provence, France, and I was moved to tears by the sheer power and lift to the high rafters of the male chorus.
Having visited many European monasteries, conveying the atmosphere of a such an ancient religious holy place, with so many centuries, so many stories and lives lost, so much darkness and dogma, you could really feel the weight of religious piety and its sacrifice as you walked through the dark stone halls.
In fact, while the photos may tell a better tale, certain themes rise above others. First, death. Given the average age of death in the majority of centuries preceding this one was 25, for these monks their reality was: death is inevitable yet it only it the gateway to a new and better life in Heaven. Such it is in so many religions. The lure of the afterlife frames the actions of the living.
Another? The beauty of every detail — the black-and-white stained glass, the moss-laden washing fountain, the crypt, the room in which they worked, the pews of the church, on and on…
Last, was the cold silence...even walking through on a guided tour, silence seemed to saturate the air. Our small group seemed swallowed up in the austere Gothic atmosphere.The silence, wrapped in cold winter air, is what still lingers, an aura of it hangs over the memory of this visit.
Written January 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BridgetJ712
Luton, UK161 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
We have visited as part of an organised tour, which I would not actually recommend as it was very rushed, however the monks are an active community who are giving tours too and are probably more knowledgeable than our guide was. At lunch there was a prayer service in the abbey with the monks singing and that really was magical. The acoustics in the abbey are just fabulous! Definitely worth visiting it is so peaceful after the hustle and bustle of Vienna.
Written July 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit! We do offer daily tours. (Monday-Saturday: 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Sundays: 11am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm) So do come again and bring some time, we'd be glad to show you around.
God bless!
Written August 17, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JoEllen Z
Ludlow, UK133 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
While driving in and around the Wiener Wald - Vienna Woods - south of Vienna, there are some stops you mustn’t miss. The Abbey at Heiligenkreuz is one. Not necessarily for the tour (in German and guided-only), but for the food in the rambling restaurant that serves monks, priests, nuns and tourists alike. Hearty but tasty local fare, including asparagus in Hollandaise during asparagus season, locally smoked trout with luscious creamed horseradish and yet another excellent Grüner Veltliner… there’s a reason the Wiener Wald is a wine mecca.
Written April 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ambrishmithal
New Delhi, India276 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
Located in the southern part of the Vienna woods, this amazing (the name means Holy Cross)abbey has fascinating architecture of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. I went there as part of a half day guided tour of the Vienna woods. The surroundings, as is typical of the region, are deep verdant green.. The abbey itself was originally built in 1133 and has had numerous modifications down the ages. It is the oldest continuously occupied Cistercian monastery in the world. Cisterians are Catholics, also known as Bernardines, or white monks, who emphasize austerity and manual labour as a way of life. The chants by the present day singing monks are very popular and available as CDs.
As one enters, one is greeted by the impressive Holy Trinity column (from the baroque period), which dominates the courtyard.. The beautiful nave is a classic example of Romanesque architecture in Austria. The long corridors are built in perfect symmetry, with an enchanting interplay of light and shadows.The fountain surrounded by exquisite stained glass windows is one of the highlights..
Definitely worth a visit if you are looking to go out of Vienna.. the views of the countryside are stunning and the abbey itself a gem. Perhaps the best way is to take a day tour from Vienna.
As one enters, one is greeted by the impressive Holy Trinity column (from the baroque period), which dominates the courtyard.. The beautiful nave is a classic example of Romanesque architecture in Austria. The long corridors are built in perfect symmetry, with an enchanting interplay of light and shadows.The fountain surrounded by exquisite stained glass windows is one of the highlights..
Definitely worth a visit if you are looking to go out of Vienna.. the views of the countryside are stunning and the abbey itself a gem. Perhaps the best way is to take a day tour from Vienna.
Written September 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wie viel Zeit braucht man für die Besichtigung?
Written August 7, 2022
Is it possible to see the Abbey on your own? My husband and I will be driving to Melk and thought we could stop here on the way.
Written May 9, 2015
As I know it is not. You have to join the tour group and 6 people is the minimum. We will drive to visit that place ourselves.
Written October 11, 2015
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