Wilten Abbey, Innsbruck, Austria

Wilten Abbey Basilica is the most beautiful Rococo church in Austria and enjoys a rich history. It’s one of two large churches in Wilten, alongside Premonstratensian Abbey, and is also home to the famous Wilten Boys’ Choir. According to legend, this has been a place of worship for many years: Roman Legionnaires are believed to have worshipped a unique Madonna on this site hundreds of years ago, when it was still known as “Veldidena”. This legend is supported by remains of an early Christian church found under the Abbey that date back to the 5th century. And you can clearly feel that the Marian devotion continues here to this day. Numerous visitors still come to Wilten Abbey – many to see the late Gothic figure of “Our Lady under the Four Columns” displayed on the ciborium altar.

The historic church was completely restored in the mid-18th century by clergyman and building dilettante Franz de Paula Penz. The unique air of beauty and elegance in the church was largely shaped by Bavarian artists, fresco painter Mathias Günther and stucco plasterers Feichtmayr from Wessobrunn. The subtle colours celebrate gentle beauty in the light-filled space and are completed with simple and elegant rocaille stucco, reflecting the classic elegance of the Rococo period and making this a truly unique place to visit.

The church is open for viewings anytime, except during church services.

References:

innsbruck.info

User Reviews

Yosi Raz (15 months ago)
We saw it from the outside very beautiful and impressive. We couldn't go in because it was closed.

Benedict Uy (4 years ago)
I came by the area since I saw the Basilica across the road from afar but actually had to cross the street to see this one. I quite liked the difference in architecture this place had with the really tall tower. The difference in colour is also quite striking. It was a nice place to look at but I didn't have time to go inside to take a closer look.

Donna Woodhams (4 years ago)
Beautiful place... Must say I was more than a little surprised to see England's "King Arthur" protecting maximillion ??

Chris Evans (5 years ago)
NOT OPEN TO CASUAL VISITORS - it's an active monastery and if you want a tour you will have to contact them ahead of time and book something specific

Chandrika Kamath (5 years ago)
Beautiful church with great art work on the ceiling

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Roman Moško

Historic Site of the week

Trencín Castle

Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.

History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.

Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.

Wilten Abbey

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Trencín Castle