Divided Church: A Unique Architectural Marvel in Gmünd, Carinthia
In the picturesque town of Gmünd, nestled within the Austrian state of Carinthia, stands a remarkable architectural gem known as the Divided Church (Geteilte Kirche am Kreuzbichl). This distinctive church is aptly named for its unique split design, divided by a road that runs through its center, separating the chancel from a two-story gallery where worshippers can gather to listen to sermons delivered from across the street.
Originally, the site where the Divided Church now stands was occupied by a roadside shrine called "Kreuz am Bichl" (Cross of the Hills), a common feature known as a Marterl in Bavaria. These shrines provided a place for travelers to pause and pray, particularly along important trade routes such as the road from Venice to Salzburg, upon which Gmünd was a prominent stop. Above Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
The shrine also marked the boundary of the Gmündner Burgfrieden and served as a place of solace for condemned individuals on their final journey to the gallows. In 1748, the shrine was transformed into a chapel, with the addition of an apse and a double-sided staircase leading to the chancel, elevated about two meters above street level. Worshippers would gather outside the church, protected by a wrought iron grille.
As the church grew in popularity, a compassionate pastor took note of the congregants' discomfort, particularly during inclement weather, and commissioned the construction of a two-story building on the opposite side of the road. Here, worshippers could seek shelter and listen to the sermon delivered from the chancel across the street.
Today, services are conducted simultaneously in both buildings, with the priest stationed in one and congregants gathered in the other. In the event of a vehicle passing through the church during a service, the priest briefly interrupts the sermon, although the road is now private and experiences minimal traffic.
In addition to its unusual architectural layout, the Divided Church boasts another intriguing feature—the original fresco in the sanctuary, based on a drawing by Michelangelo. This masterpiece was brought to Gmünd by the Italian painter Orciel dela Volterra and adorned the church's picture gallery as a fresco. However, over time, the fresco underwent multiple restorations, with the Austrian painter Josef Messner painting over it in oil in 1861. Despite these alterations, the Divided Church remains a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its builders and continues to captivate visitors with its unique charm and historical significance.
Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
References:
# When a car drives through the church, Katholisch
# Wikipedia
In the picturesque town of Gmünd, nestled within the Austrian state of Carinthia, stands a remarkable architectural gem known as the Divided Church (Geteilte Kirche am Kreuzbichl). This distinctive church is aptly named for its unique split design, divided by a road that runs through its center, separating the chancel from a two-story gallery where worshippers can gather to listen to sermons delivered from across the street.
Originally, the site where the Divided Church now stands was occupied by a roadside shrine called "Kreuz am Bichl" (Cross of the Hills), a common feature known as a Marterl in Bavaria. These shrines provided a place for travelers to pause and pray, particularly along important trade routes such as the road from Venice to Salzburg, upon which Gmünd was a prominent stop. Above Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
The shrine also marked the boundary of the Gmündner Burgfrieden and served as a place of solace for condemned individuals on their final journey to the gallows. In 1748, the shrine was transformed into a chapel, with the addition of an apse and a double-sided staircase leading to the chancel, elevated about two meters above street level. Worshippers would gather outside the church, protected by a wrought iron grille.
As the church grew in popularity, a compassionate pastor took note of the congregants' discomfort, particularly during inclement weather, and commissioned the construction of a two-story building on the opposite side of the road. Here, worshippers could seek shelter and listen to the sermon delivered from the chancel across the street.
Today, services are conducted simultaneously in both buildings, with the priest stationed in one and congregants gathered in the other. In the event of a vehicle passing through the church during a service, the priest briefly interrupts the sermon, although the road is now private and experiences minimal traffic.
In addition to its unusual architectural layout, the Divided Church boasts another intriguing feature—the original fresco in the sanctuary, based on a drawing by Michelangelo. This masterpiece was brought to Gmünd by the Italian painter Orciel dela Volterra and adorned the church's picture gallery as a fresco. However, over time, the fresco underwent multiple restorations, with the Austrian painter Josef Messner painting over it in oil in 1861. Despite these alterations, the Divided Church remains a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its builders and continues to captivate visitors with its unique charm and historical significance.
Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia Commons
References:
# When a car drives through the church, Katholisch
# Wikipedia
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