Description of the attraction
The Benedictine Monastery of Garsten is a monastery in Upper Austria that currently houses a prison. The monastery was founded in 1080-82 by Ottokar II of Styria as a dynastic burial place for his family.
In 1107-08, the monastery was given over to create a Benedictine abbey, gaining independence in 1111. Berthold, the former abbot of another abbey, became the first abbot of the newly established Benedictine monastery of Garsten. The church, built later, became one of the most beautiful high baroque buildings in the whole of Austria. Berthold presided over the abbey for 1142, making it the religious and cultural center of the entire region. During this period, several parishes were formed. After his death, Berthold was buried in the monastery church.
Since 1625, the Garsten monastery became a member of the Austrian Benedictine congregation. However, already in 1787 the monastery was dissolved by Emperor Joseph II.
Since 1851, a prison has been housed in the former buildings of the monastery. This is one of the few Austrian prisons where criminals who have received a life sentence are serving their sentences. The prison currently holds 300 inmates. Of these, according to 2007 data, 141 criminals (34, 39% of the total) are not Austrian citizens. The prison contains about 20 highly dangerous criminals who are detained 24 hours a day.
The monastery church is still preserved as a parish church. It was built by the architect Carlone and is considered one of the most beautiful high baroque buildings in Austria. Of particular note are the stucco work and the Dutch tapestries. The chapel with beautiful sacristy is also of great interest.
