Church "Saint Michael"

Description

CHURCH ST. MICHAEL

The Church of St. Michael was built outside the city walls at the so-called Rindermarkt on the left bank of the Isel River. It apparently did not have a specific function but primarily served to provide the local population with a place for prayer and reflection.

It was first mentioned in 1308, but it is believed that the church is much older. Excavations in 1982 uncovered a somewhat shorter church with a round apse, which has been dated to the second half of the 13th century.

Renovated in Gothic Style
During the last flourishing period under the rule of the Counts of Görz, several churches were renovated in the Gothic style. These renovation works usually began in the choir, as was the case with the Church of St. Michael.
A significant member at the court of the Counts of Görz was Virgil von Graben, who continued to care for the town of Lienz after the dynasty's extinction. He was convinced that “one can only take their good deeds into the afterlife,” and was buried in St. Michael. The gravestone of Virgil von Graben and other family members can still be found here today.

Seccomalerei in the Vault
The church was restored in 1981. During this restoration, seccomalerei in the vault and frescoes on the exterior wall were uncovered. Unlike fresco painting, which is done on fresh, still damp lime plaster, seccomalerei is painted on already dry plaster or dry masonry.

In the center of the altar, there are three large statues of the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Raphael holds a fish, Gabriel a lily. In the center stands the church's patron, Michael. Above the head, we read the words “Quid es ut Deus,” the Latin translation of the Hebrew word “mi-cha-el,” meaning: “Who is like God?”

Biblical Panels
At the foot of the altar, there are two biblical panels. On the left, an angel is depicted encouraging the maid Hagar and pointing the way to a water source in the desert (Gen 16, 7-17). On the right is Abraham, who intends to sacrifice his son Isaac to prove his loyalty to God. However, an angel of God stops him from killing his son and points to a ram that he should sacrifice instead.

Contact:
Parish Lienz St. Andrä, T. +43 4852 62160
https://www.pfarre-st-andrae.at/kirchen/st-michaelskirche/