St. Peter's Archabbey, Salzburg
Encyclopedia
St Peter's Archabbey, otherwise St Peter's Abbey (Stift Sankt Peter) in Salzburg
is a Benedictine
monastery in Austria
. It is considered one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking area, if not in fact the oldest.
at the site of a Late Antique
church stemming from the first Christianization
in the area in the days of Severinus of Noricum. Likewise the establishment of the monastery was meant to forward the missionary work in the Eastern Alps
. Until 987 the office of the abbot was joined to that of the Archbishop of Salzburg
: the two were always held together by one man.
In the Middle Ages
St Peter's was known for its exceptional writing school. In 1074 Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg
sent several monks to the newly established filial monastery of Admont
in the March of Styria
. In the 15th century the abbey adopted the Melk Reforms
. In 1623 Archbishop Paris Graf von Lodron founded the Benedictine University of Salzburg
, which until its dissolution in 1810 was closely connected to the abbey.
From 1641 the abbey was a member of the Salzburg Congregation, merged in 1930 into the present Austrian Congregation
(of which it is the principal house) of the Benedictine Confederation
.
In 1926 the endeavours for the establishment of a Catholic university led to the foundation of the Benedictine college ("Kolleg St. Benedikt"), on which later the re-foundation of the University of Salzburg was based. In 1927 St Peter's was raised to the status of an Archabbey
.
During the Nazi
period the monks were expelled, but the monastery was not dissolved and the monks returned after the war.
building at the northern foot of the Mönchsberg
was dedicated in 1147. One of the organs had been built on the rood screen
in 1444 by Heinrich Traxdorf
of Mainz
. While the steeple received its onion dome
in 1756, the interior, already re-modelled several times, was refurbished in the Rococo
style between 1760 and 1782 under Abbot Beda Seeauer by Franz Xaver König, Lorenz Härmbler, Johann Högler, Benedikt Zöpf and others. The high altar is a work by Martin Johann Schmidt
. The St Mary's Chapel contains the grave of Abbot Johann von Staupitz
(d. 1524), a friend of Martin Luther
.
Mozart's Great Mass in C minor was premiered in the church, probably on 26 October 1783, with his wife Constanze
singing first soprano.
Next to the altar where St. Rupert is entombed lies the tombs of Mozart's sister Maria Anna Mozart
(Nannerl), and Johann Michael Haydn. Also entombed at St. Peter's Abbey is St. Vitalis.
, which was deposited in 784 by Bishop Virgil
. Through continual acquisition the library has grown to 100,000 volumes, focussing particularly on Benedictine monasticism, medieval church history, history of art and items relating to the local history of Salzburg, or Salisburgensia. Special collections include incunabulae and early editions, graphics including the devotional images collection of Father Gregor Reitlechner and the map collection.
In 1768 Abbot Beda Seeauer had the medieval Zellenbibliothek converted to the Rococo style. In 1999 it was restored and is now only accessible by special permission.
, with works by Johann Ernst Eberlin
, Anton Cajetan Adlgasser
, Leopold
and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn
, Sigismund von Neukomm, Robert Führer
and Karl Santner.
. The director is Dr. Michaela Puzicha OSB.
, an English scholar attendant Emperor Charlemagne
; it therefore claims to be the oldest restaurant in Central Europe.
Salzburg
-Population development:In 1935, the population significantly increased when Salzburg absorbed adjacent municipalities. After World War II, numerous refugees found a new home in the city. New residential space was created for American soldiers of the postwar Occupation, and could be used for...
is a Benedictine
Order of Saint Benedict
The Order of Saint Benedict is a Roman Catholic religious order of independent monastic communities that observe the Rule of St. Benedict. Within the order, each individual community maintains its own autonomy, while the organization as a whole exists to represent their mutual interests...
monastery in Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
. It is considered one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking area, if not in fact the oldest.
History
St Peter's Abbey was founded in 696 by Saint RupertRupert of Salzburg
Rupert of Salzburg is a saint in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches and a founder of the Austrian city of Salzburg...
at the site of a Late Antique
Late Antiquity
Late Antiquity is a periodization used by historians to describe the time of transition from Classical Antiquity to the Middle Ages, in both mainland Europe and the Mediterranean world. Precise boundaries for the period are a matter of debate, but noted historian of the period Peter Brown proposed...
church stemming from the first Christianization
Christianization
The historical phenomenon of Christianization is the conversion of individuals to Christianity or the conversion of entire peoples at once...
in the area in the days of Severinus of Noricum. Likewise the establishment of the monastery was meant to forward the missionary work in the Eastern Alps
Eastern Alps
Eastern Alps is the name given to the eastern half of the Alps, usually defined as the area east of the Splügen Pass in eastern Switzerland. North of the Splügen Pass, the Posterior Rhine forms the border, and south of the pass, the Liro river and Lake Como form the boundary line.-Geography:The...
. Until 987 the office of the abbot was joined to that of the Archbishop of Salzburg
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Salzburg
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Salzburg is an archdiocese of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church in Austria. The archdiocese is one of two Austrian archdioceses, serving alongside the Archdiocese of Vienna....
: the two were always held together by one man.
In the Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
St Peter's was known for its exceptional writing school. In 1074 Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg
Gebhard of Salzburg
Blessed Gebhard of Salzburg , also occasionally known as Gebhard of Helfenstein, was Archbishop of Salzburg from 1060 until his death. He was one of the fiercest opponents of King Henry IV during the Investiture Controversy....
sent several monks to the newly established filial monastery of Admont
Admont Abbey
Admont Abbey is a foundation of the Benedictines on the River Enns in the town of Admont in Austria and is the oldest remaining monastery in Styria...
in the March of Styria
March of Styria
The March of Styria was originally broken off the Duchy of Carinthia before 970 as a buffer zone against the Magyars. Originally it was known as the Carantanian march , after the former Slavic principality of Carantania, a predecessor of the Carinthian duchy...
. In the 15th century the abbey adopted the Melk Reforms
Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey or Stift Melk is an Austrian Benedictine abbey, and one of the world's most famous monastic sites. It is located above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river Danube in Lower Austria, adjoining the Wachau valley....
. In 1623 Archbishop Paris Graf von Lodron founded the Benedictine University of Salzburg
University of Salzburg
The University of Salzburg, or Paris Lodron University after its founder, the Prince Archbishop Paris Lodron, is located in the Austrian city of Salzburg, Salzburgerland, home of Mozart. It is divided into 4 faculties: catholic theology, law, humanities and natural science.Founded in 1622, it...
, which until its dissolution in 1810 was closely connected to the abbey.
From 1641 the abbey was a member of the Salzburg Congregation, merged in 1930 into the present Austrian Congregation
Austrian Congregation
The Austrian Congregation is a congregation of Benedictine monasteries situated in Austria, within the Benedictine Confederation.-History:The Congregation was founded on 3 August 1625 by Pope Urban VIII, and consisted of eleven Benedictine monasteries in Austria:*Altenburg Abbey*Garsten...
(of which it is the principal house) of the Benedictine Confederation
Benedictine Confederation
The Benedictine Confederation of the Order of Saint Benedict is the international governing body of the Order of Saint Benedict.-Origin:...
.
In 1926 the endeavours for the establishment of a Catholic university led to the foundation of the Benedictine college ("Kolleg St. Benedikt"), on which later the re-foundation of the University of Salzburg was based. In 1927 St Peter's was raised to the status of an Archabbey
Abbey
An abbey is a Catholic monastery or convent, under the authority of an Abbot or an Abbess, who serves as the spiritual father or mother of the community.The term can also refer to an establishment which has long ceased to function as an abbey,...
.
During the Nazi
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany , also known as the Third Reich , but officially called German Reich from 1933 to 1943 and Greater German Reich from 26 June 1943 onward, is the name commonly used to refer to the state of Germany from 1933 to 1945, when it was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by...
period the monks were expelled, but the monastery was not dissolved and the monks returned after the war.
Abbey church
The present-day RomanesqueRomanesque architecture
Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of Medieval Europe characterised by semi-circular arches. There is no consensus for the beginning date of the Romanesque architecture, with proposals ranging from the 6th to the 10th century. It developed in the 12th century into the Gothic style,...
building at the northern foot of the Mönchsberg
Mönchsberg
The Mönchsberg, at above sea level, is one of the five mountains in the city of Salzburg, Salzburgerland, Austria. It is named after the Benedictine monks of St Peter's Abbey at the northern foot of the mountain.-Geology:...
was dedicated in 1147. One of the organs had been built on the rood screen
Rood screen
The rood screen is a common feature in late medieval church architecture. It is typically an ornate partition between the chancel and nave, of more or less open tracery constructed of wood, stone, or wrought iron...
in 1444 by Heinrich Traxdorf
Heinrich Traxdorf
Heinrich Traxdorf was an early German organ builder. He was born in Mainz, probably in the beginning of the 15th century. During the 1440s he built three organs in Nuremberg and one in Salzburg, for St...
of Mainz
Mainz
Mainz under the Holy Roman Empire, and previously was a Roman fort city which commanded the west bank of the Rhine and formed part of the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire...
. While the steeple received its onion dome
Onion dome
An onion dome is a dome whose shape resembles the onion, after which they are named. Such domes are often larger in diameter than the drum upon which they are set, and their height usually exceeds their width...
in 1756, the interior, already re-modelled several times, was refurbished in the Rococo
Rococo
Rococo , also referred to as "Late Baroque", is an 18th-century style which developed as Baroque artists gave up their symmetry and became increasingly ornate, florid, and playful...
style between 1760 and 1782 under Abbot Beda Seeauer by Franz Xaver König, Lorenz Härmbler, Johann Högler, Benedikt Zöpf and others. The high altar is a work by Martin Johann Schmidt
Martin Johann Schmidt
Martin Johann Schmidt, called Kremser Schmidt or Kremserschmidt, , was one of the most outstanding Austrian painters of the late Baroque/Rococo along with Franz Anton Maulbertsch.A son of the sculptor Johannes Schmidt and a pupil of Gottlieb Starmayr, he spent...
. The St Mary's Chapel contains the grave of Abbot Johann von Staupitz
Johann von Staupitz
Johann von Staupitz was a theologian, university preacher, Vicar-General of the Augustinian Order in Germany who supervised Martin Luther during a critical period in that man's spiritual life. Martin Luther himself remarked, "If it had not been for Dr...
(d. 1524), a friend of Martin Luther
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation. He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money. He confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517...
.
Mozart's Great Mass in C minor was premiered in the church, probably on 26 October 1783, with his wife Constanze
Constanze Mozart
Constanze Mozart was the wife of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.-Early years:Constanze Weber was born in Zell im Wiesental. Her mother was Cäcilia Weber, née Stamm. Her father Fridolin Weber worked as a "double bass player, prompter and music copyist." Fridolin's half-brother was the father of composer...
singing first soprano.
Next to the altar where St. Rupert is entombed lies the tombs of Mozart's sister Maria Anna Mozart
Maria Anna Mozart
Maria Anna Walburga Ignatia Mozart , nicknamed "Nannerl", was a musician, the older sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and daughter of Leopold and Anna Maria Mozart.-Childhood:...
(Nannerl), and Johann Michael Haydn. Also entombed at St. Peter's Abbey is St. Vitalis.
Library
St Peter's houses the oldest library in Austria. Among the 800 manuscripts the most precious is the VerbrüderungsbuchVerbrüderungsbuch
Verbrüderungsbuch is the German name for registers from monasteries in the Middle Ages. They contained lists with the names of sponsors and benefactors, as well as persons in close spiritual contact with a monastery, so that they were actively remembered in the prayers of the monks...
, which was deposited in 784 by Bishop Virgil
Vergilius of Salzburg
Vergilius of Salzburg was an Irish churchman, an early astronomer and bishop of Salzburg. His obituary calls him the geometer.-Biography:...
. Through continual acquisition the library has grown to 100,000 volumes, focussing particularly on Benedictine monasticism, medieval church history, history of art and items relating to the local history of Salzburg, or Salisburgensia. Special collections include incunabulae and early editions, graphics including the devotional images collection of Father Gregor Reitlechner and the map collection.
In 1768 Abbot Beda Seeauer had the medieval Zellenbibliothek converted to the Rococo style. In 1999 it was restored and is now only accessible by special permission.
Archives
The archive is for the purposes of abbey administration and the researching of its history. It contains documents from the 8th to the 20th centuries, in the following series:- Deeds: c. 4,300 deeds up to 1700;
- Manuscripts Series A: chronicles, journals, chapter minutes, visitations, endowments, necrologies and rolls, inventories, accounts and so on;
- Manuscripts Series B: official records of estate ownership (cartularies, registers, feodaries, court records);
- Files: records and correspondence of the abbots, the monks, the chancery and other administrative offices of the abbey; files relating to estate ownership;
- Other: photographs, maps and plans.
Music archive
As a result of contact with notable musicians of Salzburg, St Peter's possesses a significant collection, much of it in holographHolograph
A holograph is a document written entirely in the handwriting of the person whose signature it bears. Some countries or local jurisdictions within certain countries give legal standing to specific types of holographic documents, generally waiving requirements that they be witnessed...
, with works by Johann Ernst Eberlin
Johann Ernst Eberlin
Johann Ernst Eberlin was a German composer and organist whose works bridge the baroque and classical eras. He was a prolific composer, chiefly of church organ and choral music...
, Anton Cajetan Adlgasser
Anton Cajetan Adlgasser
Anton Cajetan Adlgasser was a German organist and composer at Salzburg Cathedral and at court, and composed a good deal of liturgical music as well as oratorios and orchestral and keyboard works.Born in Inzell, Bavaria, he moved to Salzburg, where he studied under Johann Ernst Eberlin...
, Leopold
Leopold Mozart
Johann Georg Leopold Mozart was a German composer, conductor, teacher, and violinist. Mozart is best known today as the father and teacher of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and for his violin textbook Versuch einer gründlichen Violinschule.-Childhood and student years:He was born in Augsburg, son of...
and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn
Joseph Haydn
Franz Joseph Haydn , known as Joseph Haydn , was an Austrian composer, one of the most prolific and prominent composers of the Classical period. He is often called the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet" because of his important contributions to these forms...
, Sigismund von Neukomm, Robert Führer
Robert Führer
Robert Führer , born Robert Jan Nepomuk Führer, was a Czech composer.- Biography :He was born in Prague. He became the Director of Music at the St. Vitus Cathedral in 1839 at the age of 32. He was deemed to be very talented, but he lived beyond his means...
and Karl Santner.
Other collections
The abbey also owns collections of paintings, church treasures, artworks, minerals, furniture, musical instruments, a coin cabinet and a cabinet of natural curiosities (not accessible).Institute for Benedictine Studies
In order to give young German-speaking Benedictine monks and nuns the opportunity to advance their education on monastic subjects, the Salzburg Abbots' Conference of 2000 set up the Institute for Benedictine Studies to serve the study of and research into the Rule of St BenedictRule of St Benedict
The Rule of Saint Benedict is a book of precepts written by St. Benedict of Nursia for monks living communally under the authority of an abbot. Since about the 7th century it has also been adopted by communities of women...
. The director is Dr. Michaela Puzicha OSB.
Austrian Liturgical Institute
Through the endeavours of Father Adalbero Raffelsberger, St Peter's was one of the earliest homes of liturgical revival in Austria. In 2001 the Liturgical Institute of the Conference of Austrian Bishops was attached to it.Stiftskeller
The St. Peter Stiftskeller was first mentioned in a 803 deed issued by Alcuin of YorkAlcuin
Alcuin of York or Ealhwine, nicknamed Albinus or Flaccus was an English scholar, ecclesiastic, poet and teacher from York, Northumbria. He was born around 735 and became the student of Archbishop Ecgbert at York...
, an English scholar attendant Emperor Charlemagne
Charlemagne
Charlemagne was King of the Franks from 768 and Emperor of the Romans from 800 to his death in 814. He expanded the Frankish kingdom into an empire that incorporated much of Western and Central Europe. During his reign, he conquered Italy and was crowned by Pope Leo III on 25 December 800...
; it therefore claims to be the oldest restaurant in Central Europe.