Augustinian Monastery of St Florian

This Augustinian Choristers Foundation houses the composer Anton Bruckner's most important workplace. The musical genius composed many of his most significant works on the famous Bruckner organ. Enchanting: the Mary Chapel.

The St. Florian Monastery in the similarly named place near Linz is Austria's biggest Baroque monastery. Located in the hilly landscape of the Traun area, the monastery is still understood by the Augustinian choristers as a place of contemplation and prayers. And yet the monks do keep up contact with people from all over the world. No wonder as St.Florian has a long tradition as a place of pilgrimage. Shortly after the death of the martyr Florian in 304 A.D. his grave became a place of pilgrimage. The monastery was first documented in the 8th century and was extended for the first time in 1071. The monastery gained its Baroque appearance under Carlo Antonio Carlone and after his death the building work was led by Jakob Prandtauer. Lavish stucco, precious frescoes and opulent church decorations complete the picture.

Saint Florian is commemorated in many of the inscriptions and artworks in the monastery as the patron saint of the State of Upper Austria as well as the patron saint of fireman, potters, blacksmiths, chimney sweeps,  soap makers and beer brewers.

Anton Bruckner and the St. Florian Monastery

The composer Anton Bruckner was the church organist from 1848 to 1855. The Bruckner organ in the basilica is still played today: Of course, this is only to be expected as Bruckner is buried here. The Florian Boys Choir, educated in the monastery boarding school, adds to the monastery's musical reputation.

The St. Florian Collegiate Church Library is of great historic interest and is one of Austria's oldest and most impressive reference libraries. A late baroque main hall with oversized bookshelves forms the optical impression of the library. Amongst the 150,000 volumes in the collection the most valuable treasure is made up of around 800 mediaeval manuscripts. Knowledgeable visitors can enjoy a bookplate collection containing 253 examples.