Photo: maximilian_grosseck

Klagenfurter Dom & Domplatz

Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Carinthia

The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Klagenfurt is particularly surprising at second glance: From the outside, the former Protestant preacher's church, built in the late 16th century, appears deliberately simple and restrained. The facade barely reveals what a precious interior awaits visitors.Upon entering the cathedral, a world of Austrian Baroque art of exceptional quality opens up. Frescoes and paintings are by Daniel Gran, one of the most important artists of the Austrian High Baroque, whose most famous work is the State Hall of the Austrian National Library in Vienna. Equally impressive is the work of Paul Troger, whose dramatic imagery and masterful use of light characterize the Ignatius Chapel. The cathedral's furnishings combine artistic sophistication with Baroque illusionistic art: The monumental structure of the high altar, based on a design by Andrea Pozzo, and many architectural elements appear like precious marble, but consist largely of artfully framed wood and stucco. This masterful deception lends the interior great elegance and testifies to the high skill of the artists and craftsmen of the time, such as the stucco artist Kilian Pittner.Acoustically, the cathedral is also one of the most impressive sacred spaces in Carinthia. The excellent sound effect dates back to the time of its construction by the Protestants in the 16th century, for whom the spoken word and music were of central importance in worship. To this day, the extraordinary acoustics delight visitors as well as musicians from all over the world.A special highlight in the cultural annual cycle is the "Musica Sacra" festival, which takes place annually in July and August, where architecture, art, and sound enter into a unique connection.Cathedral tours for adults (art and history) and for children (under the theme "Wildlife in Klagenfurt Cathedral - for little biologists") are offered in various languages. Further information and registration with Ernst L. Bauer, Tel: 0699 1105 44 99