The Aggsbach Charterhouse is a former Carthusian monastery.
The monastery was founded in 1380 by Heidenreich von Maissau. In 1782, Emperor Joseph II dissolved the monastery and converted it into a castle. Parts of the monastery were incorporated into the parish rectory; the Carthusian cells and the large cloister were demolished. A church tower was added to the Carthusian church, adjoining the sanctuary, and it became the parish church.
The Carthusian Museum chronicles the work of the Carthusians and traces the history of the Carthusian monastery. Opposite the end of the Carthusian complex facing the valley, the Way of the Cross begins, leading up to Calvary Hill. Guided tours of the museum and church are available by prior appointment with Ms. Christine Nussbaumer by phone at +43 2753 83010 or +43 664 9370444, or at the Aggsbach municipal office at +43 2753 8269
Nearby (Aggsbach Village No. 3) are the hammer mill and the Steinstadel Geocenter.
A meditation garden is available in the area of the former cell wing of the Carthusian monastery complex. The large cloister and the hermit’s huts were systematically demolished down to a certain level after the monastery was dissolved in 1782. This important part of a Carthusian monastery is now being made visible again in the form of “green architecture.” The concrete foundations for the trellises were erected with pinpoint precision over the wall remains discovered during the Federal Monuments Office’s excavation campaigns. Visitors can now walk through the large cloister, which is covered in wisteria, to reach the seven cells. The green walls of the cells are covered with various climbing plants. In each of the seven cells, a text panel invites visitors to reflect. Thoughts drawn from Carthusian spirituality are contrasted with those of modern philosophers. A walk along the perimeter wall offers a “view from above” of the garden.
Shop & Info: The new shop in the former chapter house (entrance on the right in the courtyard in front of the church) serves as a visitor information center and the starting point for guided tours.
Combined tickets for the Carthusian Abbey, Hammerschmiede, and Steinstadel are available at a discount!
Information is also available at: kirchen-am-fluss.at
Public Transportation:
On the south bank of the Wachau, bus line 720 (Krems-Rossatz-Schönbühel-Melk) runs between the Krems and Melk train stations. All information and the schedule can be found at www.vor.at
