02 former institute of the English Misses
Congregatio Jesu
BAKABU at the Frauenplatz
The friends quickly set off and begin their search. “Look,” calls Charlie Gru after a short time. “This house is in the book.” “That’s right,” says Lups. “That’s the Mary Ward School. It used to be a convent founded by a woman named Mary Ward. She was especially committed to girls going to school just like boys.” “Why not?” asks Mimi Lou, laughing. “Some girls are much smarter and stronger anyway.” “That’s true,” agrees Bakabu, and Charlie Gru nods. “Well, you’re right,” Lups agrees. “But people on Earth didn’t always see it that way. Mary Ward had a supporter.” “I already thought so,” whispers Bakabu, looking into the album. “Was that also a wolf?” “Not quite,” answers Lups. “She was a she-wolf: my famous great-great-great-great-great-great-great-aunt Lupinia. She was also involved in the construction. Look…” Lups turns a page and shows a picture of a magnificent vault. “There’s something to see … But it’s too small,” says Bakabu, examining the drawing more closely. To see it better, he looks directly at the building. There are indeed musical notes on the wall.
“See,” calls the earworm. “They match. That’s another part of the song. Come on. We’re on the trail of the Wolf Song.”
On the trail of history
Permission to found a branch of the order in St. Pölten was granted in 1706. Jakob Prandtauer was involved in the initial construction work and the first chapel, today's choir room, was built according to his plans. The magnificent façade facing Linzer Straße, which was designed by Matthias Munggenast in the second half of the 18th century and decorated with sculptures by Andreas Gruber, complements the building. The interior features frescoes by Paul Troger and Bartolomeo Altomonte. Founded in 1609 to educate girls, the former convent is now home to various types of schools. Paula von Preradović, poet of the Austrian national anthem, was an important former pupil.
