Lorettokapelle

Nestled at the crossroads of Hofsteigstraße and Kapellenstraße in the charming market town of Lustenau, Austria, the Lorettokapelle stands as a testament to both faith and history. This Roman Catholic chapel, dedicated to the Holy Mary, is the oldest surviving sacred building in Lustenau and holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Its rich history, unique architecture, and serene atmosphere make it a must-see for anyone exploring the region.

The Origins of Lorettokapelle

The Lorettokapelle was founded in 1645 by Hans Hagen, the Hofammann (chief administrator) of Lustenau. The chapel was built on the site of an earlier field chapel, a decision influenced by the deep religious fervor of the time and the devastating plague epidemics of 1628/29 and 1635. These epidemics claimed the lives of Hagen's first wife and two of his sons, prompting him to build the chapel as an act of faith and gratitude. The chapel also served as a symbol of the Hagen family's rising social status, aligning them closely with the lower nobility.

Baroque Transformation

In the early 18th century, around 1730, the Lorettokapelle underwent significant baroque modifications. A tower was added, and oval windows were installed in the choir. A wooden gallery was also constructed. By the mid-18th century, the Hollenstein family had replaced the Hagen family as the wealthiest and most influential family in Lustenau. The Hollensteins likely financed the renovation around 1760, which included the construction of the baroque altars that still adorn the chapel today.

19th Century Changes

In 1840, the famous Grassmayr bell foundry in Feldkirch cast a bell for the chapel. Fifty years later, in 1890, the interior was renovated in the Nazarene style. The walls and ceiling were coated with a thick layer of plaster, and the altars were painted with a brown-green lacquer, covering their original colors. This renovation also obscured the original paint on the statues.

The Extensive Renovation of 1988/1989

Despite smaller renovations in 1931 and 1964, by the late 1980s, the Lorettokapelle was in dire need of a comprehensive restoration. The walls were suffering from rising damp, the side walls were leaning outward, and large cracks had formed behind the side altars. The floor was rotten, and the benches, doors, and windows were all in disrepair.

The extensive renovation included drying out the walls, realigning the side walls, and restoring the original plaster. The tower was re-shingled, and the cross and sphere were refurbished. The old floor was replaced with a simple sandstone floor, and a wooden coffered ceiling was installed. The windows were also restored. The wrought-iron choir screen was renovated and modified so that all three wings could be opened. New benches were crafted, modeled after a well-preserved original. The 1890 interior changes were mostly reversed, restoring the altars and statues to their original baroque splendor. This extensive renovation, costing 3.3 million schillings, was completed in April 1989 and was widely supported by the local community.

Architectural Features

The Lorettokapelle is a rectangular building with a gable roof. A bell tower with an onion dome rises above the choir, which has a five-sided apse. The open porch is covered by a lean-to roof. The nave features three pointed-arch windows on each side, with a circular window in each gable wall. The entrance portal is a round arch with the inscription 1645 and a fresco of Saint Christopher, painted by Sepp Maierhuber in 1936.

Interior Details

The nave has a wooden coffered ceiling and is separated from the flat-roofed choir by a round triumphal arch. A wooden gallery is located at the western end of the chapel. The baroque wooden altars, dating from around 1760, feature volute bands. The high altar houses a statue of Mary with the Child, surrounded by putti and two kneeling angels. This statue, considered a miraculous image, dates back to around 1470, making it older than the chapel itself.

The left side altar's central niche contains a statue of Saint Sebastian, with an image of Saint Catherine above. The right side altar features a statue of Saint Joseph from around 1760, with an image of Saint Benedict above. The wrought-iron choir screen, adorned with a coat of arms, dates back to 1672. A crucifix hangs on the left side wall, and an old wooden offering box, reinforced with metal bands and secured with multiple locks, stands at the back of the chapel.

The Bells and Legends

According to local legend, an elderly woman from the Hohenems district of Steckenwegen, who walked to the parish church in Lustenau every Sunday, donated a bell to the church as thanks for being spared from the plague. This bell, known as the Steckenweibchen's bell, was traditionally rung at Christmas to call the Steckenwegerin. Despite the legend, the bell is dated 1840. During World War I, when all bells were requisitioned, this bell was spared due to its age and legendary origin and was later moved to the Lorettokapelle. In 2003, a second bell was donated in memory of Albert, Mathilde, and Walter Bösch.

The Lorettokapelle is not just a building; it's a piece of living history, a sanctuary of faith, and a symbol of the community's resilience and devotion. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, a visit to the Lorettokapelle in Lustenau is an enriching experience that offers a glimpse into the past and a serene escape from the present.