Schlierbach Abbey

The earliest mention of the locality Schlierbach dates back to 927. A former castle on this site came into the possession of Eberhard V von Wallsee in 1353, who founded a Cistercian nunnery there in 1355. This monastery, also known as Mariensaal, was led by Prioress Elisabeth von Gundelfingen with twelve sisters and expanded its possessions through donations and purchases, including Steyrstein Castle. After about 200 years and 18 abbesses, the convent dissolved due to the spread of Protestantism. In the course of the Counter-Reformation, the monastery was re-established in 1620 under Emperor Ferdinand II with Cistercian monks from Rein Abbey. Under Abbot Wolfgang Sommer, the reconstruction of pastoral care began. Abbot Franz Keller gained a seat and vote in the provincial estates, and Abbot Balthasar Rauch was granted episcopal insignia in 1654. Under Abbot Nivard I Geyregger, a comprehensive new construction of the severely dilapidated complex began in 1674. The abbey church was built from 1680 to 1683 under Abbot Benedikt Rieger.