Oct 13th Stift Klosterneuburg

The Stift Klosterneuburg is a progressive architectural goldmine.  Its history cycles through on and off periods of construction.  Therefore the architecture reflects the different time periods.  There were entire sections built in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Classical style.  It was fascinating to see the stark differences within one monastery.  I am glad the builders kept adding to whatever was previously constructed instead of tearing them down.  Or even matching the old out-of-style architecture.  I feel like the Stift Klosterneuburg is one great structure of remembrance.  Not only does the viewer remember the different architectural movements, he also remembers the people who created that history.

 

Notice the section in the background is medieval whereas the closer section looks classical

Small Romanesque windows

Larger Gothic windows

Medieval outside of the church

Baroque inside of the same church

The interior of the Stift was mostly Baroque

However some of the hallways were Classical

Classical section although the dome is Baroque

Here is a symbolic Tree of Life that looks like a Jewish candelabra but with staggered-level arms.  It was my 2nd favorite medieval piece.

My true favorite was the Verduner Alter.  It is compiled of hand-made colored metal pieces.  The top row represents scenes from the Old Testament.  The middle row represents scenes from the Life of Christ.  And the bottom row, the New Testament.  Hence it shows how all the Bible stories compliment each other.  Furthermore the viewer can see the artist's style change.  The entire piece was a ten year endeavor.  So reasonably, the beginning tiles look slightly different than the latter tiles.