History
Nestled in the foothills of the Austrian Alps, the former Carthusian Monastery Maria Thron was founded by Duke Albrecht II von Habsburg in 1330. While the Duke lived, the Kartause served as both a flourishing monastery and as the ducal summer palace. In the centuries that followed, the monastery became renowned for the holiness of its monks, as well as for its vast library and stunning frescoes. Called by many the Sistine Chapel of the North, the Kartause was, for centuries, one of the great cultural centers of Europe.
After the dissolution of the monastery by Emperor Josef II in the late eighteenth century, however, this choice cultural jewel fell into ruin. It was pillaged by robbers, used as a stable by Napoleon's troops, and served as barracks for Russian soldiers during the Soviet occupation of 1945 to 1955. Finally, in 1984 architect-engineer Walter Hildebrand purchased the monastery in order to restore it. This demanded a great deal of personal risk, generous public support, and not a few miracles. Eventually the monastery was returned to its original beautiful state, which is now enjoyed by numerous visitors each year.
Over the past 20 years the Kartause has once again become a rich cultural center. In 1991, Franciscan University of Steubenville, based in Ohio, established their Austrian Study Abroad Program here. Then in 1996,the International Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Studies was established here. Today, nearly 200 students call the Kartause home, and men and women from all over Europe and the United States travel here to study the treasures of the Catholic faith and the history of Western Civilization.
In the gothic church, which features many baroque additions, are the tombs of the monastery's founder, Duke Albrecht II, his wife, Johanna of Pfirt, and their daughter-in-law, Elizabeth of Bohemia.
Perhaps the most important works of art are in the former monastery library. The frescoes there date from the early eighteenth century, and were painted by the famous Bohemian baroque painter Wenzel Lorenz Rainer. We will have the privilege of holding our conference in this library.
Kartause Gaming's location near the Oetscher-Tormaeuer nature park allows for both long and short hikes through unspoiled nature. Nearby Oetscher, Duernstein, and Hochkar also offer inviting alpine hikes. Attractive destinations such as nearby Lake Lunz and Lake Erlauf, as well as the famous Mariazell pilgrimage site, make Gaming an ideal location for short discovery excursions.
Traveling to Gaming
By Car
(Renting a car is easy at the Vienna airport, and there is plenty of free parking at the Kartause. The drive from the airport to Gaming is 1 hr. 45 mins.)
From Vienna, Linz and Salzburg:Take Interstate Highway A1-Exit Ybbs – Take Federal Highway B25 to Gaming
From Germany, Belgium, and Netherlands:
Take Interstate Highway A8 to Interstate Highway A1-Exit Ybbs – Take Federal Highway B25 to Gaming
From Graz, Italy, and Slovenia:
Take Bruck/Mur to Mariazell – then Federal Highway B71 to Gaming (Check weather conditions for this route)
By Train
For train connections see www.oebb.atThe closest train station is Kienberg Gaming
By Plane
Closest main airport : Vienna International (VIE) - about 170 km awayOther airport : Linz-Hoersching: - about 120 km away
Click here for a Map to GamingDirections from the Vienna (Wien) Airport
Follow exit signs and take the A4 towards Wien Linz Graz.
Follow the signs towards Linz.
Take the S1 towards Linz .
Take the A21 towards Linz.
The A21 will become the A1. Keep following the signs towards Linz.
Take exit 100 Ybbs onto the B25
1000m before, you will see a sign for the Kartause Gaming. Follow the B25 to Gaming.
Follow the roundabout to take a left turn towards Scheibbs and Wieselburg.
You will pass through Wieselburg.
You will pass by Scheibbs.
The Kartause is in Gaming on the right.
Look for the Gothic Steeple, parking lot, and large buildings.
