Pfarrkirche St. Stephan

Pfarrkirche St. Stephan, also known by its local name Pfarrkirche Amstetten-St. Stephan, stands as a beacon of historical and architectural splendor in the heart of Amstetten, Lower Austria. This Roman Catholic parish church, dedicated to St. Stephen, is not just a place of worship but a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and religious devotion.

The Historical Tapestry of Pfarrkirche St. Stephan

The roots of Pfarrkirche St. Stephan delve deep into history, with its foundation resting on the remnants of an older church discovered during a renovation in 1975. These remnants, encompassing the current nave, hint at a past reaching back to the latter half of the 13th century. The original choir, smaller and leaning southward, bore a Gothic form, while the main nave possibly boasted Romanesque origins.

The 14th century marked a significant expansion with the addition of a chapel, the oldest surviving part of the current church. This chapel, dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother of God, forms the front part of the northern aisle. Subsequent construction phases saw the building of the nave and the northern aisle, encapsulating the church’s growth over the centuries.

Initially, the church tower stood freely on the west side. It was only in the 15th century that the southern aisle was built, incorporating the tower into the church’s structure. By 1450, the decision to enclose the tower on the northern side led to the creation of the present-day baptistery. The tower itself underwent several modifications, including an elevation and the addition of a Baroque helmet between 1787 and 1789. It wasn’t until 1882 that the tower attained its current form, standing tall at 43 meters to the tip of the cross.

Architectural Marvels

Pfarrkirche St. Stephan is a Gothic hall church, a style characterized by its lofty, light-filled interiors and pointed arches. The church’s architectural journey from Romanesque to Gothic is evident in its structure, reflecting the evolving styles and influences over the centuries.

Magnificent Interiors

The interior of Pfarrkirche St. Stephan is a treasure trove of artistic and religious artifacts. The high altar, crafted by South Tyrolean woodcarver Franz Schmalzl in 1889 and installed in 1901, is a masterpiece. The central shrine depicts the martyrdom of St. Stephen, flanked by statues of Saints Peter and Lawrence on the left, and Saints Florian and Paul on the right. Above these figures, the left side features St. John the Baptist and the right side, St. John the Evangelist. At the top, the left side showcases St. Joachim and the right side, St. Anna, with a late Gothic statue of St. Mary, originally from the Dorner family chapel in Stocka, positioned between them.

The side altars, created by Josef Kepplinger from Ottensheim in 1889, are equally impressive. The left side altar houses a statue of St. Mary of Lourdes, flanked by angels. To the left stands a figure of St. John Nepomuk, and to the right, St. Rochus, with a statue of Christ at the top. The right side altar centers around a Sacred Heart statue, with St. Christopher and St. Thomas on the left, and St. Sebastian and St. Nicholas on the right. The consecration of the left side altar took place in 1889, followed by the right side altar in 1891.

The Baptistery and Organ

The baptistery of Pfarrkirche St. Stephan is home to a twelve-sided baptismal font from the 15th century. Its neo-Gothic structure, added in 1892 by Josef Kepplinger, features a depiction of the Sundayberg Mercy Seat, representing the Holy Trinity. The half-reliefs illustrate biblical scenes, including the baptism of Jesus, Noah's Ark, and the crossing of the Red Sea. The inner side of the wings, painted by Ludwig Hase from Linz, showcases two biblical baptisms.

The church’s organ, installed in 1898 by Leopold Breinbauer, resides in a Baroque casing originally built by Lorenz Franz Richter from Freistadt in 1763. This impressive instrument boasts 20 registers across two manuals and a pedal, providing a rich auditory experience during services.

Pfarrkirche St. Stephan is more than just a church; it is a living chronicle of Amstetten’s religious and architectural heritage. Its walls echo with stories of faith, art, and history, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the region. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a spiritual seeker, Pfarrkirche St. Stephan offers a profound and enriching experience.