ALVASTRA (ALWASTRA, ALVASTRUM, ALVASTER[8]). — Ancient Cistercian abbey in Sweden, on the eastern shore of Lake Vätter, south of Vadstena, in the diocese of Linköping, in the province of Ostergötland. The fortieth foundation of Clairvaux and the first Cistercian house in the Scandinavian countries, it arose, during the lifetime of St. Bernard, in 1143, with the support of King Sverker and his wife Ulvilde (Alfhild, Alvida), promoters of monastic life in the nation. In memory of the queen it was named Alfhildrum (Alvilstad), whence later Alvastrum. It soon grew in splendor and renown. Its first abbot was Roberto; the highly learned monk Stefano, venerated in the Order as blessed, was elected in 1164 as the first archbishop of Upsala and primate of Sweden. With the same founding king began the succession of sovereigns buried in A. Gustavo Wasa (1523–60) suppressed the celebrated community, confiscating its possessions: the last abbot, Torkil, appointed by the government as royal administrator, resigned in 1529. The important library was dispersed. Today only imposing ruins remain, especially those of the church, a testimony to its former greatness.
A. is particularly associated with the memory of St. Brigida, whose son Benedetto died there as a young student, while the saint’s husband, Prince Ulfone, was received there, with her consent, until his death and enrolled among the familiares or “confrates” of the monastery (cf. Menologium Cisterc., on 21 March and 26 July). Brigida herself, after the death of her husband (12 February 1344), wished to lead a solitary life there (1344–1346), until her departure for Rome, where she was followed by the prior of the monastery, Pietro Olavo.
The abbeys of Varnhem, Saba (Julita or Juleta), and Gudsberga (Mons Domini; Husaby) originated from A. (filiae).