The more than 850-year history of the monastery also reflects the development of the region. With the integrated grammar school, the permanent exhibition "World of the Monks", the monastery's own monastery operations and the distillery, the abbey has become more than just a centre of attraction for believers and pilgrims.
Despite difficult times with two abolitions, the monastery on the southern side of the Seckauer Zinken and the Hochalm has remained a spiritual centre. As a former Augustinian canon's monastery and former episcopal see, it looks back on more than 850 years of history and development, encompassing all style epochs from Romanesque to 20th century art.
Particularly worth seeing are the Romanesque crucifixion group, the Habsburg mausoleum or the Seckau Apocalypse by Herbert Boeckl in the Angel Chapel, all of which can also be visited and explained on a guided tour of the "World of the Monks".
In Seckau, however, there is not only great interest in the art and culture tours - many of the numerous guests from Austria and abroad are interested in the award-winning distillery in the cellar and the tours offered there with tastings of Seckau monastery schnapps and liqueurs. A visit to the monastery shop as well as a stop at the local restaurants or a hike to the Seckauer Hochalm (high alpine church "Maria Schnee") round off an excursion.
History
Since the 12th century, the image of grace "Our Lady of Seckau" in the Romanesque basilica has captivated visitors.
In 1883, Benedictine monks from Beuron took over the historic building, and to this day they continue to shape monastic everyday life in the celebration of the liturgy of the hours and through a variety of other tasks, for example with the almost 300 pupils of the Abtei grammar school. In 2014, the 850th anniversary of the consecration of the Seckau Basilica was celebrated. Despite repeated destruction and two periods of dissolution, the monastery on the Seckau plateau was able to rise again and again.
In 2017, thanks to generous support, the interior of the Seckau Basilica was extensively renovated. extensively renovated.
The results in the Habsburg mausoleum and the bishop's chapel are particularly worth seeing. A new natural stone floor, dry-cleaned and cleaned sandstone and vault surfaces, repaired stained glass windows, new benches, lighting and sound technology mean that church services and guided tours of the monastery are once again unforgettable experiences. Those who are looking for their own silent prayer will especially find it here.
In 2018, the diocese of Graz-Seckau commemorated its foundation 800 years ago. Seckau thus looks back on centuries of eventful history. Today it is one of the oldest and most precious cultural jewels in Styria.