About Muri Abbey:
The Muri Monastery is one of the most important cultural monuments in the canton of Aargau. Built over centuries, it has a Romanesque crypt, a Gothic high choir and octagonal Baroque central building. In 1941 The Canton of Aargau handed the monastery over to the Parish Muri.
Today, a small group of monks from Muri-Gries and Sarnen live in the Benedictine Hospice, which was built in 1960.
Emperor Karl of Austria and his wife Zita:
It is also the location of the hearts of the last reigning monarchs of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Blessed Karl of Austria and his wife, Zita. Emperor Karl was praised for putting his Christian faith first in making political decisions, as a role model for Catholic social teaching, and attempts as a peacemaker during the World War I, especially after 1917. He was declared blessed by John Paul II in 2004.
Unlike many royal marriages, that of Karl and Zita was one of true love and respect for one another. Zita’s body is buried among the Habsburg imperial family in the Capuchin Crypt in Vienna, while Karl’s body remains at the site of his exile on the island of Madeira in Portugal.
However, their hearts remain entombed together here as a symbol of their eternal love.
You will notice in the photo the bust of Emperor Karl and one of the many plaques on the wall that testify to their life and love. One of those plaques, reads: “Plus pour vous que pour moi” (“More for you than for me”), a statement from Empress Zita and one that she demonstrated to Karl with her life.
Nearby is a copy of Our Lady of the Bowed Head, a favorite devotion of theirs. Also along that wall are many plaques memorializing them.
You can find out more about Emperor Karl on this website.
Traveling to Muri Abbey:
Visitors are welcome, and guided tours are available.
Address: Marktstrasse 4, 5630 Muri, Switzerland
Tel: +41 56 664 70 11
Click here for the official website of Muri Abbey
