Origins of the Grand Priory of Austria

In 1998 nine Knights of different origins were interested in the spiritual ways of the historic Knights of the Temple. They decided to found a non-profit organization to revitalize the original Templar spirituality of St. Bernard of Clairveaux. Their aim was to spread this non-denominational and inclusive spirituality to other parts of the world.

Currently the Grand Priory of Austria consists of two Commanderies in Carinthia and Vienna. The Knights, Companions and Friends is working to establish this spiritual type of Templar Order in other parts of the world.

In the time of the crusades noble knights gathered themselves to form the Templar Order. This was the first pan-European organization.  The Templars not only protected the paths to Jerusalem, they made use of the world’s most modern forms of economy (payment by money transfer), of architecture (construction of the gothic cathedrals), of medicine (use of antibiotics) and sciences independent from Catholic dogmas. They were also the intellectual and spiritual elite of their time.

The Grand Priory of Austria continues to build upon on the outstanding achievements of our medieval ancestors. We desire to align our moral life according to the ideals of chivalric ethos. Our focus is on personal success and development.  Over the past ten years the Grand Priory of Austria has undergone developmental calibrations to accommodate this alignment toward unity with the original Templar spirit.

The Templar Order, Grand Priory of Austria, continues the tradition of medieval classical education in a contemporary form. As a part of the Grand Priory of Austria, the Templar Fellowship is designed to deal with progressive knowledge in all areas. Our mission is to offer presentations, discussions, trips and seminars, with Templar education in mind. Most of the events are open to non-members. 

The Templar library in Austria houses over 500 books and videos relating to Templar studies, historical, spiritual and scientific subjects. It is available to all Order members without charge.