Stadtpfarrkirche Gmunden

Three-nave early Gothic church with a Baroque Three Kings altar by Thomas Schwanthaler.First documented mention in 1323, with its oldest parts dating back to the time of the parish's founding (1301).The Catholic parish church stands in the center of the old town on Kirchenplatz. The three-nave church dates from the early Gothic period. At the beginning of the 18th century, the simple square tower was raised and crowned with a bulbous spire. Originally, the church was consecrated to the Assumption of Mary (feast day on August 15), and after the Baroque renovation, to the Feast of the Epiphany (feast day on January 6). The most precious piece of the interior is the high altar with the famous Three Kings group by Thomas Schwanthaler (1678, Austria's only Three Kings altar). The high altar of the church is undoubtedly Thomas Schwanthaler's second main work alongside the Baroque double altar of Sankt Wolfgang. At its center is the Adoration of Christ by the Three Kings. Expressive figures of Elisabeth and Zacharias, created by the Baroque master Michael Zürn the Younger, are placed at the edge of the altar. He also carved the Anna Altar, which is now located in the left, rear side aisle of the parish church. Many outstanding art treasures are found in this church: The oldest is a crucifix from around 1500, the Poor Souls Altar with a stone relief, and a Man of Sorrows by Bonaventura Schwanthaler from the 16th century. The Crucifixion group was created at the beginning of the 16th century. The ceramic Cloak Madonna above the right side entrance is a work by Ms. Emilia Schleiß-Simandl (1947), as a thank you for protection from war damage. Many tombstones and reliefs, starting in the first quarter of the 15th century, also await you. On the southern exterior of the church (lakeside), frescoes from around 1525 were uncovered during renovation work in 1946/47 under two Gothic half-arches: Saint Christopher and the Last Judgment. In 2017, the 5-bell Florianer carillon was expanded by a donor with two additional Grassmayr bells. In 2019, a new tower cross was placed (the old one can be found near the votive candles). A richly illustrated church guide and high-quality art cards are available for purchase. Please refer to the parish bulletin and our homepage: www.dioezese-linz.at/gmunden for the pastoral offerings and the variety of services.Next to the parish church is the historic rectory from 1508.More information can be found under Gmunden's Treasures!