Stift St. Paul im Lavanttal

About the museum

In 1091, Count Engelbert of Spanheim founded a Benedictine monastery on a rocky outcrop in the lower Lavanttal, where a castle had previously stood, and brought in monks from Hirsau. In the Middle Ages, St. Paul became a respected monastic school, but in the 14th and 15th centuries it suffered from fires, feuds and Turkish invasions. From 1618, Abbot Hieronymus Marchstaller had the medieval complex replaced by a regular four-winged new building around the Romanesque church and is therefore regarded as the second founder.

Emperor Joseph II dissolved the abbey in 1787. In 1809, Benedictines from the likewise secularised monastery of St. Blasien in the Black Forest, led by Prince-Abbot Berthold Rottler, moved in and brought large parts of their art and book collections with them. The Nazis expelled the monks in 1940; they returned in 1947.

The abbey's collections are among the most extensive private art holdings in Austria and earned it the nickname "Treasure House of Carinthia": goldsmith work such as the Adelheid Cross from the 11th century, Romanesque vestments, paintings and a graphic collection of around 15,000 sheets, a cabinet of curiosities, as well as coins and medals. For the 2009 Europe Exhibition, the abbey museum was redesigned and the library with around 70,000 volumes was moved into the vaults; among its treasures are a manuscript from the 5th century, regarded as the oldest book in Austria, and an early Gutenberg print. The museum shows its holdings in exhibitions every year from May to October.

Highlights

• Adelheid Cross from the 11th century with gems and precious stones
• Ambrosian Codex from the early 5th century, the oldest book in Austria
• Show library with around 70,000 volumes in historic vaults
• Romanesque bell chasuble from the 12th century
• Cabinet of curiosities as well as painting and graphic collections

Permanent exhibition

• Schatzhaus Kärntens – Sammlungen und Stiftsbibliothek – The museum tour leads to the treasury, the cabinet of curiosities, paintings, textiles and coins, as well as into the library vaults with their medieval manuscripts.

Founded

1091

Operated by

Benediktinerstift St. Paul

Director

P. Gerfried Sitar OSB

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Kärnten Card (excluding guided-tour ticket) and for coach drivers, tour escorts and clergy. Combined ticket for train ride and admission available as ÖBB Erlebnisticket. Tickets also available online via Kärnten-Ticket or at the ticket desk in the shop.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access for wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties is possible up to the abbey courtyard; no further information on accessibility has been published.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

With the children's catalogue (in the museum shop) and the abbey mouse Pauli, children solve tasks at twelve puzzle stations; a small surprise awaits those who find the correct solution word. Once a month, family tours with torches through the dark museum.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A2 to the St. Andrä exit (264), then about 8 minutes to St. Paul. By bike via the Lavanttal cycle route R10, turning off at the market town of St. Paul. Access for wheelchair users up to the abbey courtyard.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop (also the ticket desk) with books, handicrafts from the Lavanttal, incense from the herb workshop, spirits, abbey wine and abbey chocolate.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

The ARTrium, a three-aisled columned hall from the 17th century (80 to 100 people, with kitchen and bar area), and the Summer Refectory (approx. 60 people, with Wi-Fi and presentation technology on request); the abbey church can also be enquired about. For weddings, christenings, family celebrations and receptions.

Plan your visit