As we crossed the threshold of Gottweig Abbey, cheerful guides welcomed us with hearty samples of sparkling apricot wine and apricot nectar. Famous for apricot jams and wines crafted on location, this monastery is home to the highest apricot orchard in Austria’s Wachau Valley!
A Monastery Reborn
With a sample of sparkling wine in hand, we joined our fellow travelers to learn more about this spiritual center. We discovered that this Benedictine Monastery was originally founded in 1083. However, the original structure burned to the ground in 1718. Architects and artisans rebuilt the entire property on an even grander scale as seen today.
Gottweig Abbey is now a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its grand architecture, period Baroque decor, and cultural significance.
Apricot Groves & Gardens
After our introduction, we stepped outside to explore the apricot groves. Because we visited just after harvest, we didn’t find any apricots left on these fruit-bearing trees.
We continued to wander through the grove toward the vegetable gardens. Tiny figurines, amusing crafts and quiet rest areas ornamented this otherwise productive landscape. Take a look at this adorable little bunny watching me through the shrubbery.
Monastic Life at Gottweig Abbey
Only 13 monks currently live at the monastery full time. The rest reside in local parishes, such as the one we viewed from the terrace at Gottweig Abbey.
Baroque Era Architecture
After touring the grove and gardens, we headed into the courtyard for our first view of the monastery’s many buildings.
As we entered Gottweig Abbey’s museum, a monumental imperial staircase offered a beautiful greeting from the Baroque period. Above the staircase, we gazed upon an incredible ceiling fresco painted by Paul Troger in 1739.
We joined our guide for a tour of the museum, which wound through room after room of exhibits. Many of these exhibits reflected areas of study for the Benedictine monks. Others included historic artifacts from both the property and other relevant areas.
Because I’m a total book nerd, I appreciated that many of the rooms included historic texts that reveal their history and way of life. Take a look below at the colorful detail in this wonderful old book that I stumbled across during our tour.
Wine & Jam To Go
Gottweig Abbey funds their spiritual centers through the sale of apricot products and wine crafted on location. After our tour, I enjoyed a tasting of red and white wines before heading over to their shop to peruse the goods. Before leaving, I certainly purchased my fair share of sparkling apricot wine and apricot jam!
Now, let’s head to our next stop on this European tour—Vienna!
