Parish church of St. Gallus (Bregenz)

The Parish church of St. Gallus, known locally as Pfarrkirche St. Gallus, is an architectural and historical gem nestled in the heart of Bregenz, Austria. This Roman Catholic parish church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.

Historical Roots

The history of the Parish church of St. Gallus is as captivating as the structure itself. The site has been a place of worship since the second half of the 5th century when a Romanesque church was built. This early church was discovered by the Irish monk Columban of Luxeuil in 610 AD, who, along with Gallus and eleven other monks, found it in ruins. They attributed the church to Saint Aurelia and began its restoration. The church was mentioned again in 1079 during the foundation of the Mehrerau Abbey.

Excavations in 1973 revealed a rectangular early Romanesque building and a later expansion into a three-aisled structure. The present church, with its single nave, was expanded westwards and consecrated in 1380. After a devastating fire in 1477, a new choir with a 3/8 termination was constructed, and a powerful tower was added to the west. This tower was consecrated in 1480, marking a significant architectural evolution.

The church underwent a major transformation in 1737 under the direction of architect Franz Anton Beer, who redesigned its interior and added new furnishings. Further restorations were carried out in 1939, and from 1968 to 1972, the exterior was renovated, followed by the interior from 1973 to 1974.

Architectural Marvel

The Parish church of St. Gallus is a majestic Baroque structure with a steep saddle roof and a broad, slightly recessed choir. The nave features low, transept-like side chapels, and the northern side of the choir houses both a Baroque and a new sacristy. The western facade is dominated by a massive late Gothic tower with three stories, adorned with high pointed arch windows and a striking gable roof.

The tower's ground floor features three tall, chamfered pointed arch openings and a vestibule with a cross vault. The uppermost floor boasts three high pointed arch windows with tracery. The tower's roof, created between 1672 and 1673 by master mason Michael Kuen and stonemason Hans Jakob Gruber based on Sebastian Greuter's designs, is topped with a bulbous onion dome and a small bell tower.

Inside, the three-bay nave is covered by a flat-topped barrel vault resting on walls with stucco capitals without pilasters. The low, transept-like side chapels open into the nave through archways supported by wall piers. A recessed, round-arched triumphal arch connects the nave to the two-bay choir, which ends in a 3/8 termination with round-arched windows. The double gallery in the nave is supported by four stone columns with three-arched arcades.

Exquisite Furnishings

The church's interior is adorned with remarkable Baroque furnishings, most notably the choir stalls created by Johann Joseph Christian in 1742 for Mehrerau Abbey and transferred here in 1808. The high altar, crafted by Abraham Bader in 1746, features a carved Holy Trinity, with Christ on the left, God the Father with the globe on the right, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove in the center. The altar figures, carved by Johann Georg Brem, include Pope Gregory on the left and Saint Gallus on the right, with apostles Peter and Paul flanking the altarpiece depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds by Franz Georg Herrmann.

The organ, originally built by Josef Gabler between 1768 and 1771, was his final work. The organ case, created by sculptor Johann Heinrich Reichart in 1772, now houses a new mechanical organ built by Gregor Hradetzky in 1974. The organ's central section features two heraldic shields, with the right one displaying the coat of arms of the Archduchy of Austria and the left one representing the Counts of Bregenz.

The church also boasts four side altars made of stucco marble by Andreas Bentele, each adorned with unique paintings and statues. The silver altar, dating back to the late 16th century, consists of around 40 individual silver objects, some from notable Augsburg workshops. Originally a house altar in the Deuringschlösschen, it was acquired by the parish in the 17th century and is now displayed in the left side chapel.

Additional Features

The church's bell tower houses a six-part bronze bell ensemble, with five bells cast in 1954 by the Hamm & Hartner foundry and one historic bell from 1565 by Hans Christoph Löffler. The crypt, known as the Chapel of St. Michael, lies beneath the choir and features frescoes by painter Ulrich Geser from around 1480 to 1490, depicting saints and members of the Kaisermann family from Bregenz.

The Parish church of St. Gallus is not just a place of worship but a living museum of art, history, and architecture. Its walls tell stories of centuries gone by, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the beautiful city of Bregenz. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Parish church of St. Gallus promises a captivating journey through time.