The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Heiligenkreuz, Austria

Wikimedia Commons, C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0

The world's oldest active Cistercian monastery (1133) with the largest True Cross relic north of the Alps.

Nestled in a peaceful valley of the Vienna Woods just 15 kilometers from the Austrian capital, Stift Heiligenkreuz rises like a beacon of unbroken monastic prayer—nearly nine centuries of Cistercian life flowing in an uninterrupted stream since 1133. When Pope Benedict XVI visited on September 9, 2007, he called it "the oldest continuously active Cistercian monastery in the world" and "a place of spiritual power." Today, over 100 monks—the largest Cistercian men's community in Europe—gather five times daily to chant the ancient Latin liturgy, drawing more than 200,000 visitors each year who come seeking the same stillness and sacred beauty. The abbey's very name tells its treasure: Heiligenkreuz means "Holy Cross," for here is preserved the largest relic of the True Cross north of the Alps. This fragment of the wood upon which Christ died—measuring 23.5 centimeters and shaped like a double cross—was brought from Jerusalem by Duke Leopold V and donated to the monks on May 31, 1188. For pilgrims walking the Via Sacra from Vienna to Mariazell, Austria's oldest pilgrimage route, Heiligenkreuz has been a mandatory spiritual station for over 800 years. Whether you come as a devout pilgrim or simply a curious visitor drawn by the world-famous Gregorian chant recordings that topped international charts, you will find here something rare in modern Europe: a monastery that is not a museum but a living house of prayer.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

The story begins with a young Austrian nobleman named Otto, sent to Paris for his education around 1130, who encountered the vibrant new Cistercian reform movement sweeping through France. So taken was he by their life of prayer, simplicity, and manual labor that he entered the monastery of Morimond in Burgundy. When Otto returned to visit his father, Margrave Leopold III of Austria—later canonized as Saint Leopold—he made a remarkable request: "Father, build a monastery like this for Austria." Leopold III, known as "the Pious," agreed. On September 11, 1133, twelve monks from Morimond arrived with their abbot, Gottschalk, to a secluded valley in the Wienerwald. They called their foundation "Sancta Crux"—Holy Cross—as a sign of their devotion to Christ's redemptive sacrifice. The monks set to work clearing forests, tilling fields, and introducing the Christian faith more deeply into the region. Leopold died in 1136 and was buried at his other foundation, Klosterneuburg, but his son Otto (later Blessed Otto of Freising, whose relics rest in Heiligenkreuz) ensured the monastery flourished. The abbey's greatest treasure arrived on May 31, 1188, when Duke Leopold V presented the monks with a precious relic: a substantial fragment of the True Cross, originally given to him by King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1182. This relic—the largest of its kind north of the Alps—transformed Heiligenkreuz into a major pilgrimage destination. Leopold V himself lies buried in the Chapter House, along with thirteen other members of the Babenberg dynasty, including four ruling dukes of Austria. The Romanesque abbey church, consecrated in 1187, remains one of Austria's finest examples of the style—its austere nave, with massive pillars and rounded arches, preserving the spiritual simplicity the early Cistercians sought. In the 13th century, a magnificent Gothic hall choir was added, featuring medieval stained glass windows among the most beautiful remnants of Austrian Gothic art. The Chapter House, with its Romanesque columns and ribbed vaulting, became the final resting place of Austria's first ruling dynasty. Through centuries of plague, fire, and conflict, the monks never abandoned their post. Even when much of the abbey precinct was destroyed in 1683, the community rebuilt in the Baroque style, adding the elegant Trinity Column (1739) and the Josephsbrunnen fountain by the sculptor Giovanni Giuliani. A Way of the Cross, built between 1731 and 1750, leads pilgrims through meditation on Christ's Passion. In the modern era, Heiligenkreuz has experienced a remarkable renewal. With over 100 monks—many under fifty years old—the community is growing while others decline. In 2008, their album Chant: Music for Paradise topped classical charts worldwide and reached the top ten of pop charts in several countries, earning seven platinum certifications in Austria alone. The monks channeled album proceeds toward educating priests from developing countries. A pontifical theological academy, renamed in honor of Pope Benedict XVI after his 2007 visit, trains seminarians and lay students from nearly forty countries.

☩ Stift Heiligenkreuz Abbey

The abbey complex sprawls gracefully around a large early-Baroque courtyard, entered through gates that have welcomed pilgrims for nearly nine centuries. At the courtyard's center stands the magnificent Trinity Column, a Baroque masterwork by Giovanni Giuliani completed in 1739, depicting the Holy Trinity with angels and saints ascending heavenward.

Abbey Church (Stiftskirche)

Address: Stift Heiligenkreuz 1, 2532 Heiligenkreuz im Wienerwald, Austria GPS Coordinates: 48.0553, 16.1286 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: www.stift-heiligenkreuz.org Dedication: Holy Cross Historical Note: The church uniquely combines two architectural periods that tell the Cistercian story. The façade, nave, and transept (consecrated 1187) are pure Romanesque—three simple windows symbolizing the Trinity, no bell tower in the original design (though a Baroque tower was added in 1674). The Gothic hall choir, consecrated in 1295, features the largest ribbed vault of its type in Austria and preserves some of the finest 13th-century stained glass in the country. The massive Kober organ (1804) has hosted performances by Franz Schubert, who composed a four-handed fugue for it in 1828, and Anton Bruckner. Spiritual Importance: Here the monks gather five times daily for the Divine Office, singing the Latin liturgy in Cistercian plainchant—a tradition unbroken since 1133. Pope Benedict XVI, during his 2007 visit, reminded them: "In a monastery of Benedictine spirit, the praise of God, which the monks sing as a solemn choral prayer, always has priority." Visitors are welcome to attend the liturgy and experience this living tradition of prayer.

Chapel of the Holy Cross (Kreuzkirche)

Location: Within the abbey complex, accessible during guided tours Historical Note: Since 1983, this chapel houses the abbey's greatest treasure: the relic of the True Cross donated by Duke Leopold V in 1188. The fragment, measuring 23.5 cm in length, 1.7 cm in width, and 1.0 cm in thickness, is displayed in a glass shrine. The relic's brown-red wood is shaped as a double cross. Spiritual Importance: The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (September 14) sees the relic elevated and processed with special solemnity. A confraternity established in the Baroque era continues to promote devotion to the Cross. Pilgrims may venerate the relic during special liturgies and indulgences are granted on the feast day.

Chapter House and Babenberg Tombs

Location: Accessed through the Romanesque-Gothic cloister Historical Note: This magnificent late-Romanesque hall, with its four central columns supporting ribbed vaults, contains the tombs of thirteen members of the House of Babenberg—Austria's first ruling dynasty. Among those buried here are four rulers: Margrave Leopold IV, Duke Leopold V (who donated the True Cross relic), Duke Frederick I, and Duke Frederick II "the Quarrelsome," the last Babenberg, who lies in an elevated sarcophagus. The English may note with interest that Leopold V was famously the "kidnapper" of King Richard the Lionheart, ransoming the crusader king for 23.3 tonnes of silver. Spiritual Importance: The Chapter House represents the continuity of faith across generations—rulers and monks alike drawn together by devotion to Christ. The relics of Blessed Otto of Freising, the monastery's spiritual father who convinced his father Saint Leopold III to found Heiligenkreuz, rest in a chapel near the crossing.

Cloister and Fountain House (Brunnenhaus)

Location: Adjacent to the church, connecting the monastic buildings Historical Note: The cloister, built in Romanesque-Gothic style and completed around 1240 under Duke Frederick II, preserves a rare atmosphere of medieval contemplation. The nine-sided Fountain House features uniquely beautiful glass windows from 1290 depicting members of the Babenberg family—including Saint Leopold III and Blessed Otto of Freising—and a lead fountain from the 16th century.

Baroque Calvary (Kalvarienberg)

Location: On the grounds outside the main abbey complex Historical Note: Built between 1731 and 1750, this outdoor Way of the Cross leads pilgrims through landscaped grounds to meditate on Christ's Passion. The Stations feature life-size sculptural groups in the expressive Baroque style. Spiritual Importance: Pilgrims walking the Via Sacra traditionally stop here to pray the Stations before entering the abbey, preparing their hearts for veneration of the True Cross relic.

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

September 14 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Stift Heiligenkreuz Abbey Church. The monastery's patronal feast centers on the solemn veneration of the True Cross relic. Since 2000, bishops have celebrated festal Masses drawing pilgrims from across Austria and beyond. The relic is elevated and processed through the church while the monks chant ancient hymns to the Cross. Special indulgences are granted to the faithful. November 15 – Feast of Saint Leopold Stift Heiligenkreuz Abbey Church. Austria's patron saint and founder of the monastery is honored with solemn liturgies. Though Leopold III is buried at Klosterneuburg, his spiritual legacy permeates Heiligenkreuz, and pilgrims remember the holy margrave who answered his son's call to bring the Cistercians to Austria.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Gästehaus Stift Heiligenkreuz (Abbey Guesthouse) 📍 Address: Stift Heiligenkreuz 1, 2532 Heiligenkreuz im Wienerwald, Austria 🌐 Website: www.stift-heiligenkreuz.org The monastery welcomes guests seeking a retreat in the simple rooms of the monastic guesthouse. Accommodation is spartan but peaceful, allowing visitors to share more fully in the rhythm of monastic prayer. Contact the guest master in advance: gastmeister@stift-heiligenkreuz.at Hotel & Restaurant Höldrichsmühle ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Gaadner Straße 34, 2371 Hinterbrühl, Austria 🌐 Website: www.hoeldrichsmuehle.at 🔗 Booking: Book on Booking.com Historic four-star hotel located along the Via Sacra route between Vienna and Heiligenkreuz. Franz Schubert composed here. Elegant rooms and renowned Austrian cuisine. Hotel & Gasthof zur Stadt Baden ⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Hauptplatz 18, 2540 Bad Vöslau, Austria Traditional Austrian inn approximately 15 minutes from Heiligenkreuz. Comfortable rooms and easy access to the abbey via the A21 motorway.

🚗 Getting There

By Air: Vienna International Airport (VIE) is approximately 35 km from Heiligenkreuz. From the airport, rent a car or take public transport via Vienna. By Train & Bus: From Vienna, take the S-Bahn (S2 or S3) to Mödling, then bus 364 or 365 to Heiligenkreuz. Alternatively, the "Mariazeller Autobus" (bus 169) runs from Vienna Südtiroler Platz directly along the Via Sacra route to Mariazell, stopping at Heiligenkreuz. By Car: From Vienna, take the A2 (Südautobahn) south, then the A21 (Wiener Außenring Autobahn) toward St. Pölten. Exit at "Heiligenkreuz." The abbey is only 15 km from the edge of Vienna, about 25-30 minutes by car. Free parking is available at the abbey. Via Sacra Pilgrimage Route: Heiligenkreuz is a major station on Austria's oldest pilgrimage route, the Via Sacra, which runs approximately 125 km from Vienna to Mariazell. The stage from Brunn am Gebirge to Heiligenkreuz is approximately 17 km (about 6 hours walking).

📚 Further Reading

Books:

  • Karl Wallner, Stift Heiligenkreuz: Art, Architecture, and Spirituality – Comprehensive guide to the abbey's treasures by a monk of Heiligenkreuz.
  • Thomas Merton, The Waters of Siloe – Classic introduction to Cistercian spirituality and history.
  • Terryl N. Kinder, Cistercian Europe: Architecture of Contemplation (Eerdmans) – Scholarly exploration of Cistercian architectural principles seen throughout Heiligenkreuz.

Articles & Online Resources:

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🔗 Useful Links

✝️ Closing Reflection

"A monastery is above all this: a place of spiritual power. Austria is truly Klösterreich: a realm of monasteries and a land rich in monasteries. Your ancient abbeys, whose origins and traditions date back many centuries, are places where God is put first."

— Pope Benedict XVI, Heiligenkreuz Abbey, September 9, 2007

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Visitors are encouraged to contact Stift Heiligenkreuz directly for current tour times and liturgical schedules. The monks welcome pilgrims to join them for the Divine Office—an experience of prayer that has continued unbroken in this valley since 1133.