Admont Abbey: The World's Largest Monastic Library
A Baroque library hall at the gateway to the Gesäuse
- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private tour takes you to the Benedictine abbey of Admont in Styria's Enns Valley, whose Baroque library hall is considered the largest monastic library hall in the world. You will see how art, learning and nature have met here for almost a thousand years.
Admont Abbey was founded in 1074, making it the oldest existing monastery in Styria. Its library hall of 1776 is about 70 meters long, with ceiling frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte and sculptures by Josef Stammel, including the famous 'Four Last Things'.
Your guide explains the imagery, the world of books and monastic life, and shows how the abbey was rebuilt after a devastating fire in the 19th century. You also get tips on the abbey museum and the Gesäuse National Park right on the doorstep.
This is a private tour: just your own group, your pace and plenty of time for questions. Our licensed guides are happy to adjust the focus to your interests before the day.
Highlights
- The Baroque library hall of 1776
- Frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte
- Josef Stammel's 'Four Last Things'
- Almost a thousand years of monastic history
- Gateway to Gesäuse National Park
The route
-
1Abbey courtyard
Founding, fire and rebuilding.
-
2Abbey church
Neo-Gothic church built after the fire.
-
3Library hall
Light, frescoes and sculptures.
-
4Museum areas
Art and natural history in the abbey.
Who this tour is for
Art and book lovers, culture travelers and groups heading to the Gesäuse.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees for the abbey library and museum are not included in the tour price and are paid on site. Your guide will let you know in advance which tickets you will need.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour, so you pay one price per group, not per person. The amount depends on the duration and group size, and you receive a quote with your request.
Is the library open all year?
The abbey has seasonal opening hours with limited access in winter. We check your preferred date when you book.
