Tsvetl Monastery in Austria
Rating: 7,8/10 (684 votes)  The Tsvetl Monastery is the first subsidiary monastery founded by monks from the Cistercian monastery of Heiligenkreuz. The first abbot of the monastery was Hermann (a monk from Heiligenkreuz). The Tsvetl Monastery is located on the right bank of the Kamp River. After the founding of the monastery in a short period time, the main buildings were built. In 1159 the church, the dormitory and the chapter hall were consecrated. The construction of the rest of the buildings of the monastery complex was completed by 1218. In the 13th century, the Tsvetl monastery was considered one of the most influential and wealthy monasteries in Austria. In the middle of the 15th century, the monastery was plundered and burned. But at the end of the 15th century, under Abbot Johann, the monastery was restored in the Gothic style, but it was not possible to return to its former luxury. In the era of the Reformation, one priest and 6 monks lived in the monastery. In order to survive, the monastery sold off its vast land holdings. A new period of prosperity for the Tsvetl monastery began in the 16th century. During the invasion of the Ottoman Empire, the monastery miraculously escaped destruction. Under Abbot Melchior, the monastery complex was expanded, a number of buildings with elements of the Baroque style were added to it. Under Melchior, a school of philosophy and theology was opened, and the monastery library was enriched. Thanks to the existence of this school, the monastery escaped closure during the reign of Joseph II. In the 19th century, the monastery began to decline, but managed to avoid closure. Currently, the Tsvetl monastery is a functioning Catholic monastery, where 23 monks live. Part of the monastery, the garden and the wine cellars are open to tourists. Since 1983, an organ festival has been held in the monastery every year.   We also recommend reading Lilienfeld Monastery in Austria Topic: Tsvetl Monastery in Austria. |
