Lilienfeld's pen soon shines in the new shine: restoration starts!

Lilienfeld's pen soon shines in the new shine: restoration starts!

Lilienfeld, Österreich - The Cistercian Stift Lilienfeld, the largest medieval monastery complex in Austria, is currently being subjected to a comprehensive restoration process. On July 3, 2025, the constituent meeting of a board of trustees took place under the chairmanship of Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, which is devoted to the restoration and maintenance of this valuable cultural debit. [Katholisch.at] (https://www.katholisch.at/aktuelles/154274/kuratorium-zur-Restauration- von-stift-Lilienfeld-Greu-) reports that this initiative is a strong sign of solidarity and support for the pen.

The need for restoration and design measures is undisputed because there is a massive backlog of investment. Abbot Pius Maurer emphasizes the historical and cultural value of the project, the aim of which is to complete the work up to the 800th anniversary of the monastery consecration in 2030. The financial resources come not only from the state of Lower Austria and the Federal Monument Office, but also from the municipality of Lilienfeld and the association "Friends of the Cistercian Abbey Lilienfeld". Mikl-Leitner emphasized that the restoration can make a significant contribution to strengthening the regional economy and tourism.

restoration work in the church and prelate courtyard

The first construction stages started in early 2025. The first phase includes the restoration of the facades and roof elements in the courtyards of the abbey, which started on July 25, 2024. The southern facade in the church courtyard is also renovated and windows are replaced and stone walls are revised to secure the building fabric for the coming generations. The work takes place in cooperation with regional craftsmen who act under the direction of architect Pfoser from St. Pölten. Stift-lilienfeld.at emphasized that access to the monastery shop and the gate is always guaranteed.

The prelate courtyard is not only a historical, but also an active place of the event. It is used for numerous regional events, concerts and church festivals and is also home to the Lilienfeld Federal Real Hymposa. This multifunctional use illustrates how important the pen not only for the monks - of which almost 20 are currently living in the pen - but also for the entire community.

cultural importance and regional integration

The Lilienfeld Abbey not only has a religious function, but is also an important employer in the region and offers a variety of cultural and tourist offers. It is one of the important stations of the Via Sacra, the pilgrimage path between Vienna and Mariazell, and thus attracts both believers and those interested in culture. Also the historical background, as a grave of Duke Leopold VI. von Babenberg and Duchess Cimburgis of Masovia, contributes to the appreciation of the place. bda.gv.at emphasizes the importance of monument conservation and research, which will continue to be essential in the future for the conservation of such monuments.

Overall, the restoration of the Cistercian pen Lilienfeld initiated under Governor Mikl-Leitner shows that with a good hand for the maintenance of history and culture, both the quality of life of the region can be increased and a valuable legacy can be preserved.