Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg

Nestled on the eastern slope of the Festungsberg mountain in Salzburg, Austria, Nonnberg Abbey stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Benedictine monastic life. This storied monastery, said to be the oldest continuously inhabited convent in the German-speaking world, was founded around 714 by Saint Rupert of Salzburg, who bestowed the abbey upon Saint Erentrudis, his niece and the first abbess.

Nonnberg Abbey is not only significant for its religious and historical importance but also for its cultural impact, having gained fame as the backdrop for the beloved musical "The Sound of Music." The real-life story of the von Trapp family is interwoven with the abbey, where Maria von Trapp was a postulant before leaving to become the governess to the von Trapp children.

The abbey's architecture is a composite of various styles accumulated over centuries, with Romanesque and Gothic elements visible in the church and the convent buildings. Visitors to the abbey can appreciate the serene atmosphere and the austere beauty of the nuns' choir, adorned with Gothic frescoes. The abbey's church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, is a place of quiet reflection and spiritual solace, with its simple yet dignified interior providing a stark contrast to the opulence found in many of Europe's religious sites.

Nonnberg Abbey remains an active convent, with the Benedictine nuns continuing their traditional work of education and caring for the community. While it operates in relative seclusion, the abbey opens its doors to the public for services and concerts, allowing visitors to partake in the rich liturgical life that has been maintained for centuries.

The abbey is accessible to the public, though parts of it remain private for the nuns. Visitors are welcome to attend the church services and to participate in the guided tours offered, which provide insights into the abbey's history and its role in the local community.