Altenburg Abbey: Baroque Library and the Monastery Beneath
A baroque jewel in the Waldviertel
Photo: Uoaei1, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private tour of Altenburg Abbey shows one of Austria's most beautiful baroque monasteries. Frescoes by Paul Troger, a magnificent library and the excavated remains of the medieval monastery make the visit special.
The Benedictine abbey of Altenburg in the Waldviertel was founded in 1144. After heavy damage in the Thirty Years' War, master builder Joseph Munggenast rebuilt it in high baroque style in the 18th century. The painter Paul Troger created the vivid frescoes in the church, library and imperial staircase.
The library is one of the largest and most beautiful baroque libraries in Austria. Beneath it lies the crypt with its unusual frescoes on the theme of death. Under the baroque buildings, parts of the medieval monastery have been excavated, including the cloister and chapter house, known as the monastery beneath the monastery.
Your guide explains the imagery and monastic life, tells of the monks then and now and shows you the abbey's baroque gardens.
Highlights
- Frescoes by Paul Troger
- One of Austria's finest baroque libraries
- The crypt with dance of death motifs
- The medieval monastery beneath the monastery
- Baroque abbey gardens
The route
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1Abbey courtyard
Start with the abbey's history.
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2Abbey church
Dome and frescoes by Paul Troger.
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3Library
A baroque hall of knowledge.
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4Crypt
Frescoes between death and hope.
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5Monastery beneath
Medieval excavations to finish.
Who this tour is for
For art lovers, fans of monasteries and travelers exploring the Waldviertel.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are never included in the tour price. When you book, we are happy to tell you which admissions apply to your group.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour for your group only. The price is per group, not per person, which makes it great value for families and friends traveling together.
Can Altenburg be combined with other sights?
Yes, the abbey is near Horn in the Kamptal region. Many guests combine it with Rosenburg Castle or a wine tasting in the Kamptal.
