Photo: (c)Pfarre Mariahilf

Pfarrkirche Mariahilf

Innsbruck, Tyrol

You will find the Mariahilf Parish Church on the left bank of the Inn near the Innbrücke, which leads to the Old Town. If you walk along the famous colorful row of houses on the Inn towards the west, you will reach it in just a few steps. It was built in 1647/48 by Christoph Gumpp. He was the founder of a true dynasty of master builders: Gumpp and several generations after him significantly shaped Innsbruck for a long time. The early Baroque central building is truly beautiful to behold: a round dome covers a Renaissance portal, entrance hall, five altar niches, and the sacristy cladding. Worth seeing in the church Inside, the high altar painting by Johann Paul Schor is particularly worth seeing. It depicts the history of the Mariahilf Church, which was endowed by the Tyrolean estates. Since 1654, a copy of Lucas Cranach's Mariahilf painting, created by Michael Waldmann, has adorned the center of the high altar. You can see the original, by the way, in Innsbruck Cathedral in the Old Town. Also worth seeing: stucco decorations adorn the round dome, and stucco completes the Baroque design. Votive church on the Inn bank The church was built as an expression of the state's gratitude for an averted war danger, making it a votive church. Through the Mariahilf painting, it also gained significance as a pilgrimage church, and at times even as a university church. Since the mid-19th century, the former "Landschaftliche Kapelle" has been the parish church for the Mariahilf district of Innsbruck. It is open during the day for viewing and prayer. Guided tours are possible upon request.