Ossiach

The abbey developed to an ecclesiastical and cultural centre of the region, though no larger homestead arose outside its walls.

After the dissolution of the monastery by the order of Emperor Joseph II in 1783, the rural area from 1850 was part of neighbouring Steindorf.

Today the church is also renowned for the Carinthischer Sommer classical music festival, held around July and August each year.

Some Austrians have written works specifically for the festival, including Cesar Bresgen (Das Spiel vom Menschen, 1982) and Dieter Kaufmann (Bruder Boleslaw, 1989).

First mentioned in 1290, the Tauernkirche was rebuilt in 1519 in a Late Gothic style and received a Baroque equipment including a high altar in the 17th century.

Ossiach Abbey