Weikert Cottage

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Severely damaged in the Ash Wednesday bushfire, Weikert Cottage has now been restored as a place of pilgrimage to honour the foundation of the Jesuits in Australia. A group of 130 Catholics, under the leadership of a farmer named Franz Weikert, came from Silesia in 1848. They migrated to South Australia in pursuit of religious freedom.



Among the group are two newly-ordained Jesuit priests, Father Aloysius Kranewitter and Father Maximilian Klinkowstroem. They acted as chaplains to the migrants while on their journey. Upon arrival in Adelaide, Father Kranewitter was requested to go to the mid-north and minister to the Catholics living there. This included Weikert and his family who have decided to settle at Sevenhill. In 1851, the Jesuits purchased some property within the area and consequently, Weikert Cottage was built 14 years later. Franz Weikert lived in the cottage until his death at the age of 83.



Weikert Cottage is located on the grounds of Sevenhill Cellars , the first winery ever built in the Clare Valley. A short wander towards the west from its car park will lead you to the cottage. Or, if you prefer, you can obtain a map of the cellar grounds from the Clare Valley Wine Food and Tourism Centre at the corner of Main North Road and Spring Gully Road. Sevenhill Cellars is just off College Road.



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