St Florian Augustinian Abbey

The original St Florian Augustinian Abbey monastery was built around the year 800 over the grave of St Florian, a high official in the Roman province of Noricum who became a Christian and was martyred about 304 AD by drowning in the River Enns; he is still invoked all over Austria for protection against fire and flood. In 1071 Bishop Altmann of Passau assigned the abbey to the Augustinian Canons. Rebuilding in the Baroque style was begun in 1686 by Carlo Carlone (d. 1708), continued by Jakob Prandtauer and completed in 1751. The abbey is still a focal point of learning (theological seminary) and music. The Florian Boys' Choir (Florianer Sängerknaben) has old traditions, and together with the Bruckner Organ form the basis for promoting church music (sung mass, organ concerts). From April to October there are conducted tours through the abbey buildings every day at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, for groups of more than six people; also at other times by arrangement.