Global Treasures: Stift Klosterneuburg

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1257

UPC: 879061008566

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

North of Vienna is a place where the sky meets with the earth. For almost 900 years, the Stift Klosterneuburg Monastery has had a special relationship in the spiritual, sacred and cultural life of Austria. Its architecture dates back to the Baroque era and the rule of Emperor Charles VI.

In the 12th century, church architecture was based upon Italian design. At that time, a castle was also built at this location for the sponsor of the monastery, Leopold III. In addition to its fine sacred architecture, the Stift Klosterneuburg enchants due to its worldly side that can be seen in the emperor's private rooms, which demonstrate the luxurious lifestyle of the Habsburgs, whose influence was at its zenith during the reign of Charles VI.

The monastery's most valuable possession and also one of the most impressive works of art of the Middle Ages is the Verduner Altar, which was named after the artist, Nicholas of Verdun, and was completed in 1181.

The large quantity of precious works of religious art and fascinating historic objects that date from the Habsburg Dynasty underline the feeling that the Stift Klosterneuburg is indeed a place where the sky meets with the earth!