Gurk Cathedral — Local services in Gurk

In the green valleys of southern Austria, near Klagenfurt, is the pilgrimage town of Gurk. Here, a beautiful 12th-century cathedralis packed with the finest examples of religious art and shelters the shrine of Hemma, a beloved Austrian saint.

The 12th century Gurk Cathedral is regarded as the most outstanding example of Romanesque architecture in Austria. The flat, austere exterior is dominated by twin west towers (135 feet high), to which onion domes were added in 1682.

The barrel-vaulted porch has a portal dating from 1200. It was enclosed and richly decorated with murals of biblical scenes and stained glass in 1348. The south portal has a sculpture of Christ the Savior and a lion and snake can be found on the east apse. The left wall of the nave is home to the Samson Doorway, from 1200.

The interior is decorated with a magnificent collection of frescoes dating from the 13th century, including depictions of St Christopher (c. 1250), the Downfall of Saul (c. 1380), and the Death and Assumption of the Virgin (c. 1390). There are also six painted wooden reliefs, which depict the legend...

We were close to Gurk and decided that we should pass by Gurk Cathedral which is truly one of Austria’s hidden treasures. Tucked away in a peaceful valley, this magnificent Romanesque church feels timeless the moment you walk through its doors. The interior is serene and filled with beautiful frescoes and impressive stonework, and the twin towers make it instantly recognizable from afar. The highlight of the visit is without doubt the gilded altar which is absolutely magnificent. Don’t miss out on the crypt below the cathedral. It’s an incredible space cool, mysterious, and beautifully preserved supported by dozens of slender columns and home to the tomb of Saint Hemma, the founder of the cathedral. The atmosphere there is unlike anywhere else and gives you a real sense of history and spirituality. Before you leave, make sure to sit on Saint Hemma’s Stone and make a wish locals say that if you do, your wish might actually come true! Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply a peaceful moment of reflection, Gurk Cathedral is an unforgettable stop and absolutely...

Der Dom zu Gurk wurde 1140 bis 1200 im hochromanischen Stil erbaut. Die Kirche gilt durch die im Verhältnis zu anderen Kathedralen über die Jahrhunderte wenigen baulichen Veränderungen als eine der bedeutendsten romanischen Bauwerke in Europa.

Charakteristisch sind die beiden 60 Meter hohen Doppeltürme, das romanische Westportal, die Fresken in der Vorhalle und als ältesten Teil des Doms die Krypta - eine Halle mit hundert Säulen, errichtet für das Grabmal der Heiligen Hemma. Die Hl. Hemma von Gurk (geboren zwischen 995 und 1000, gestorben 1045), entstammt dem Kärntner Hochadel, gründete Kirchen und Klöster, ist heute Schutzpatronin von Kärnten. Schon im frühen Mittelalter war der Dom zu Gurk mit der Heiligen Hemma ein berühmtes und begehrtes Wallfahrtsziel und auch heute pilgern noch Menschen ins schöne Gurktal. Angerufen wird die Hl. Hemma bei Entbindungen und...