Avaturm

Frau Ava, also known as Ava von Göttweig or Ava von Melk, lived from around 1060 until her death on February 7, 1127 and is considered the first poetess known by name in the German language. Her literary contributions are significant as they are among the first to convey religious content in the vernacular.

Ava initially led a secular life, was married and the mother of two sons, before living as a hermit in the area of Göttweig Abbey after the death of her husband. Her later life as an Inkluse, i.e. a woman who withdrew into a cell for religious reasons, was characterized by piety and literary work.

Ava's importance in German literary history is also recognized by the "Frau Ava Literaturpreis", which has been awarded every two years since 2003 to German-language writers who deal with spiritual, religious or political themes in their works

The so-called "Avaturm" in Klein-Wien, where she presumably died, is still mentioned today and serves as her private residence.