Pfarrkirche Sarleinsbach

A tour around the church provides insights into the history of the building. It can be assumed that a church was already built at the time of Sarleinsbach's founding. No recognizable remains of it have been preserved. In 1283, Sarleinsbach became its own parish. The first church we can grasp also likely dates from the 13th century. Its foundations were found during restoration work in the main nave. The current church tower, which at that time stood freely without connection to the rest of the church building, probably also belonged to it. To the left of the portal hangs a crucifix, a copy of the original cross in the chancel arch of the church from the 16th century (original Petrinum Linz). In 1427, this church was destroyed by the Hussites; the present main nave was built first as a new building, and then the present apse (chancel) was completed by 1475. This is attested by an indulgence letter from Pope Sixtus IV, who in that year forgave the sins of all donors who contributed to the reconstruction of the church. The sacristy was added to the right of this apse, and the burial chapel of the Sprinzenstein family to the left. In the 18th century, the church became too small for the constantly growing population. Therefore, it was extended in the years 1752/53 by two side naves: The right one was donated by the market judge (mayor) Franz Joseph Jetschgo as a burial place for his family, the left one by the market community of Sarleinsbach. With this, the construction of the church was essentially completed.