Stift Nonnberg, located in the southern part of Hohensalzburg Fortress, is the oldest convent of the world. The nunnery was constructed by St Rupert between 713 and 715. St Erentrudis, the niece of St Rupert, was the foremost prioress of Stift Nonnberg. A statue of the abbess is placed in the archway of the nunnery. Stift Nonnberg in Salzburg was overhauled in 1000 AD. The nunnery was reconstructed in Romanesque style, after it had adopted St Benedict's convention in the 9th century.
Stift Nonnberg at Salzburg features St Maria Himmelfahrt's Church, which is the oldest church of the city. The church, consecrated to Virgin Mary, was constructed between 1464 and 1506 in late-Gothic style. Besides, the nunnery also has a pillared hall, Pieta chapel, St John's Chapel, convent rooms, old abbey and cloisters. The nunnery is also known to contain many small buildings. It is noteworthy that a major part of the convent was renovated in 1423 after it was destroyed by fire. However, the remnants of the Romanesque building can still be seen in the frescoes, as well as in the entrance. Represented in Byzantine style, the frescoes of Stift Nonnberg of Salzburg are among the oldest in Austria. One can come across the statues of Virgin Mary, Emperor Henry II, St Erentrudis and St Rupert on the octagonal pillars of the building.
Also known as the Maria's Convent, Stift Nonnberg features the peasant's choir and the nun's choir. The nun's choir is known as Nonnenchor; whereas, the peasant's choir is called Laienchor. The late-Gothic ceiling of Langhaus, nunnery building, is worth a visit. The Baroque marble altars are among the attractions of the convent that attract many tourists from far and wide.
Furthermore, the nuns of the convent sing Maiandacht, a 15 minute service following the Gregorian chant, every day in the month of May. The same chanting can also be heard on 24th December at the mass that takes place at 11 PM.
