Seckau Abbey

The origins of the monastery date back to 1142, when it was founded as an Augustinian canons’ collegiate church. Initially located in St. Marein, it was relocated to the Seckau plateau in the same year. In 1164, the Romanesque church was consecrated. Seckau developed into an important spiritual center and became the episcopal see of the Diocese of Seckau from 1218. Until 1491, a convent for canonesses also existed. During the Josephine reforms, the collegiate church was dissolved in 1782, and the episcopal see was moved to Graz. This led to considerable destruction and the loss of many artworks. A re-settlement by Benedictines of the Beuron Congregation took place in 1883, saving the monastery from complete ruin. During World War II, the abbey was again dissolved in 1940 and the monks expelled, but they returned in 1945 and initiated a reconstruction phase.

Seckau Abbey is situated in the municipality of Seckau in the Murtal valley in Styria, Austria. It lies at an elevation of approximately 849 meters above sea level.

The current complex features an imposing west front stretching over 143 meters. The Romanesque basilica, elevated to a minor basilica in 1930, impresses with a three-aisled interior and a late Gothic net-rib vault. Highlights include the early Baroque Habsburg Mausoleum, the Chapel of Grace with the Seckau image of grace, and the Angel Chapel with frescoes by Herbert Boeckl. The Renaissance cloister from the late 16th century is also preserved. Currently, twelve Benedictine monks live and work in the abbey.

• Prankh Castle (castle, approx. 5750 m away)
• Wasserleith Castle (castle, approx. 5841 m away)
• Hautzenbichl Castle (castle, approx. 6209 m away)
• Spielberg Castle (castle, approx. 6503 m away)