The abbey of the Augustinian canons of St. Florian near Linz is one of the most important baroque monuments in Austria. Remains of masonry under the basilica date back to the time of the martyrdom of St. Florian (4th century AD), whose tomb was already a pilgrimage site at that time. The monastery of St. Florian is also famous for its connection to the composer Anton Bruckner. Many rooms of the beautiful baroque building can be visited without a guide: the magnificent basilica, the prelates’ corridor with its staircase, the inner courtyard and the prelates’ garden. With the guided tour you can admire other wonders. Such as the marble hall, the imperial chamber, the picture gallery and the library, which with around 150,000 volumes (two thirds of which were printed over a century ago) is one of the most important convent libraries in Austria. The highlight of the collection is the giant bible from Stift St. Florian, probably made around 1150. With its dimensions – 65 x 46 centimetres – it is among the largest manuscript volumes in Austria. Each of the abbey’s rooms has its own special charm and helps to understand the traditions and lifestyle of the monks. The abbey’s gallery contains one of the most valuable art treasures of the late Middle Ages: the altar of St. Sebastian by Albrecht Altdorfer.
