Stift Seckau
Benedictine abbey on the Seckau plateau with Romanesque basilica, Habsburg mausoleum, and the "World of the Monks" exhibition (only with guided tour).
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About the museum
Adalram of Waldeck founded the first collegiate monastery in Styria in 1140 near St. Marein close to Knittelfeld; a few years later, it was moved to the quieter plateau of Seckau, where sandstone for church construction was available. The Romanesque monastery church was consecrated in 1164 and became the cathedral of the newly founded Diocese of Seckau in 1218. After a fire in 1259, a Gothic cloister arose; in the 14th century, Seckau flourished as a pilgrimage site dedicated to Mary. In 1590, Archduke Karl II of Inner Austria was buried in the basilica's mausoleum, and from 1590–1628, the powerful Renaissance structure with its approximately 100-meter-long arcade gallery was built.
Emperor Joseph II dissolved the monastery in 1782; the bishop's seat moved to Graz, and large parts of the complex fell into disrepair. In 1883, Benedictines from Beuron acquired the monastery and revived it; in 1887, Seckau became an abbey. After the monks were expelled by the Nazis in 1940, the community returned in 1945.
In the 20th century, artists such as Herbert Boeckl, with his fresco cycle in the Angel Chapel, and goldsmith Friar Bernward Schmid shaped the monastery. For the 800th anniversary of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau, the basilica underwent comprehensive renovation until 2017. Today, the small monastic community, besides parish work and the abbey gymnasium, also operates monastery businesses such as a distillery and shows visitors the history and art of the house in the "World of the Monks" exhibition.
Highlights
- Romanesque basilica with crucifix group from the early 13th century
- Habsburg mausoleum with the grave of Archduke Karl II
- Angel Chapel with frescoes by Herbert Boeckl on the Revelation of St. John
- Seckau miraculous image in the Grace Chapel
- Goldsmith works by Friar Bernward Schmid
- Renaissance arcade court and Emperor's Hall (on request on school-free days)
Permanent exhibition
- Welt der Mönche – The exhibition, accessible only with a guided tour, explains the history and tasks of the monastery and displays sacred art up to the goldsmith works of Friar Bernward Schmid; the tour includes the basilica.
- Founded
- 1140
- Operated by
- Benediktinerabtei Seckau
- Director
- Abt Johannes Fragner
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Schoolchildren |
| Children & teens | €5Student rate |
| Groups (10+ people) | €9 per personAdult groups of 10 or more, tour included; student groups EUR 5. |
| Distillery tour with tasting (groups of 10 or more) | €10Approximately 45 minutes |
| Combo ticket "World of the Monks" and distillery (groups of 10 or more) | €18 |
Prices apply to the guided tour of the "World of the Monks" exhibition and the basilica.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Train to Knittelfeld, from the bus station continue with bus line 843 to Seckau.
By car via the Murtal expressway S36, exit Knittelfeld-East. The Seckau municipal office is across from the abbey.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Book and art shop (cloister shop) in the west wing at the main entrance to the basilica with in-house products such as cloister rusks, honey, and fine spirits; also meeting point for tours. Guest houses in town.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The well-rounded one-hour tour leads through the exhibition rooms and the basilica, with emphasis on the history and function of the monastery and church art. Meeting point before or in the book and art shop in the monastery courtyard. School classes receive age-appropriate care. On school-free days and during summer holidays, upon request also Emperor's Hall, radmaster's hall, and modern architecture in the west and north wings. |
