Spatial and ideological transformation of the Abbots’ Garden in Oliwa in the 18th century

Ever since the Medieval era, Cistercian monasteries have been centres of architecture, horticulture, art and craft. Their abbeys were also distinguished by a rich theological program. Within larger monastic complexes, abbot occupied representative building, surrounded an ornamental garden. In 15th century, Abbot’s Palace was erected at Abbey in Oliwa, which had founded 1178. The abbot’s seat repeatedly expanded successive abbots, including Kasper Geschkau, Dawid Konarski, Jan Grabiński, Aleksander Kęsowski, Franciszek Zaleski. Józef Jacek Rybiński particular made some notable achievements, building new Rococo palace Baroque garden, characterised program referring to Christian symbolism. After 1772, goods properties confiscated Prussia. 1782, Prince Karl von Hohenzollern-Hechingen, then his nephew Joseph, became abbots. With help gardener Johann Georg Saltzmann, enlarged garden with English- Chinese section Oriental article presents history evolution its ideological layout, landscape values former monastery complex as well contemporary resources.