| The extensive, monumental structure of the Kremsmunster Abbey with its valuable buildings and art treasures dating back to this foundation period in the 8th century is an exemplary illustration of the still felt spiritual, scientific and cultural continuity of a Benedectine monastery. The spiritual function of such centres, which was so important to the history of the occident, was that of a universal education institution.
Kremsmunter reflects this function in the way its so-called "Mathematical Tower" is built and furnished: individual floor levels house expert collections of the relevant fields of knowledge. Economic prosperity in the 17th and 18th centuries resulted in Baroque additions, major extensions and changes to the monastery complex, as is characteristic of many similar structures in the South-German area, with Kremsmunster being a particularly fine example. Renowned Italian and local architects and artists met to add highly interesting new architectural creations,such as the design of the arcaded baroque fish pond. A rich stock of books including valuable medieval manuscripts and a collection of art treasures featuring top oeuvres of European goldsmithery (e.g.Tassilo Chalice) have been preserved at Kremsmunster. The conservation of both structures and art treasures is exemplary. |