Sankt Pölten Cathedral

Sankt Pölten, Austria

Sankt Pölten Cathedral has been the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Sankt Pölten since 1785, having previously been the church of the Augustinian Abbey of St. Pölten, dissolved in 1784. The building, despite being a well-preserved late Romanesque structure, is Baroque in appearance.

The use of the site for religious buildings is believed to date from around 790, when a Benedictine monastery was established here, to which were brought the relics of Saint Hippolytus, after whom the present city is named. In 828, the monastery became a possession of the Diocese of Passau, and a centre of missionary activity, predominantly in Great Moravia. After the invasion of the Magyars in around 907, the monastery was almost entirely destroyed, and was not rebuilt until after the Battle of Lechfeld in 955. The first documentary reference is in a charter of 976 from Emperor Otto II to Bishop Pilgrim of Passau.

Under Bishop Altmann of Passau the abbey became an Augustinian canonry, which was dissolved in 1784 as part of the Josephine Reforms.

In around 1150, the abbey church was rebuilt with three naves but no transept, with a westwork including two towers. In 1228 Bishop Gebhard changed the dedication, formerly to Saints Peter, Stephen and Hippolytus, to the Assumption of Mary. After a fire it was rebuilt again between 1267 and 1280. After another fire in 1621 the entire building was remodelled in the present Baroque style.

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Details

Founded: 1621
Category: Religious sites in Austria

More Information

www.afar.com
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

E_Franz_Vertrag (2 years ago)
The Cathedral Parish of St. Pölten is a beautiful place of rest and reflection in the middle of the city. The imposing building with its impressive architecture and high towers is a striking point and invites you to linger. Inside the church you will find an impressive interior that was designed with great attention to detail. The ceiling paintings and altarpieces are breathtaking and transport you to another world. The atmosphere in the cathedral parish is very quiet and contemplative. Therefore 5 stars!!!
Christian Stach (2 years ago)
A very beautiful church. You can see what artists and fantastic craftsmen our ancestors once were
Stefanie Seeling (3 years ago)
Plain and unassuming from the outside. Parking right next to it. Inside very pompous in the baroque style with lots of gold and pictures. A beautiful organ. A very peaceful place.
G. Bran. (4 years ago)
Impressive cathedral
mark almond (4 years ago)
The cathedral is worth seeing
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