Basilica Stift Rein, Austria Verified listing

Basilica Stift Rein, Austria

Rein Abbey (Latin: Abbatia BMV de Runa), meaning Abbatia Beatae Mariae Virginis, is a historic Cistercian abbey located in Gratwein-Straßengel, Styria, Austria. Founded in 1129 by Margrave Leopold the Strong of Steyr, it stands as the 38th monastery of the Cistercian Order. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the oldest existing Cistercian abbey in the world. Many earlier abbeys dissolved or secularized during the French Revolution or through secularization efforts in Germany.

In 1276, Rein Abbey gained significance in Austrian history when Styrian and Carinthian nobles took the Oath of Rein. This pivotal event helped determine who would rule the empire. Nobles aligned with Rudolf of Habsburg, an upstart from Switzerland, against Ottokar II of Bohemia, who gained power through marriage to one of the last two Babenberg heirs. The Oath of Rein marked the beginning of the Habsburg dynasty’s 640-year reign.

However, the abbey faced challenges in the late 15th century. A significant decline in the number of monks occurred due to the plague and the subsequent spread of the Reformation. It wasn't until the late 16th century that monastic life began to revive. During the Counter-Reformation, abbots from Rein Abbey played crucial advisory roles to regional rulers. Throughout its history, the abbey also founded four new monasteries between the 12th and 17th centuries.

From 1959 to 1990, Rein Abbey hosted the convent of Hohenfurth Monastery, expelled from Czechoslovakia. During this time, it became known as "Stift Rein-Hohenfurt." In 1979, Pope John Paul II elevated the abbey's collegiate church to minor basilica status. Until 2019, it served as the deanery church for the former deanery of Rein, encompassing 14 parishes. Today, the abbey also supports the Bundesgymnasium Rein, furthering its educational role in the community.

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