Parish church St. Anthony

In the charming town of Hallein, Austria, stands the impressive Parish church St. Anthony, known locally as Pfarrkirche Hallein. This church, dedicated to St. Anthony the Hermit and St. Jerome, is a beacon of history and architectural splendor. Its storied past and striking design make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Salzburg region.

A Journey Through Time

The origins of Parish church St. Anthony date back to the late 12th century, a period when the town of Hallein began to flourish due to the burgeoning significance of the Hallein salt mine. The church was first documented in 1206, marking the beginning of its long and storied history. By the 13th century, a six-story tower was added, further enhancing its architectural presence.

In the late 14th century, a significant transformation took place under the guidance of Pastor Eberhard Pachmayer. The church was remodeled in the Gothic style, replacing the original wooden flat ceilings with ribbed vaults. A high, square choir with a 3/8 closure and an underlying crypt was constructed in place of the Romanesque apse, giving the church a more majestic and solemn appearance.

Classicism and Transformation

The church underwent another major transformation between 1769 and 1775, following the designs of architect Wolfgang Hagenauer. The nave was extended by 10 meters to the west, over an abandoned cemetery, and two expansive dome vaults were added. These changes resulted in the removal of the side aisles and pillar rows, creating a more open and grandiose interior space. The choir, crypt, parts of the exterior walls, and the tower were integrated into this new design. In 1787, the Romanesque tower received a dome designed by Hagenauer, replacing the old pointed roof.

On May 25, 1800, the newly renovated church was consecrated by the Prince-Bishop of Chiemsee, Sigmund Christoph Graf Zeil, marking the culmination of this extensive reconstruction.

War and Restoration

The church's journey through the 20th century was marked by both loss and renewal. During World War I, the bells of the Parish church St. Anthony were removed for military purposes, a common fate for many church bells during this period. However, in 1926, a significant community effort led to the creation of new bells, cast by the Salzburg-based Oberascher company, which were consecrated the same year.

Tragedy struck on March 22, 1943, when a great fire originating from the Augustinian monastery in Hallein destroyed the church's roof structure and severely damaged the tower. The intense heat caused the tower to collapse in 1945. A restoration effort in 1953-1954 brought the church back to its former glory.

A Modern Tower and New Bells

In 1965, Hallein welcomed a new church tower designed by architect Jakob Adlhart. The tower's relief, signed JA 66, was crafted by Adlhart's father, Jakob Adlhart, a renowned sculptor. The Oberascher bell foundry created six new bells for the tower in 1968, each with a unique minor mixed form motif.

The bells, housed in the bell chamber, include the Salvator bell (168.1 cm, 3109 kg, h°), the Rupertus bell (140.2 cm, 1850 kg, d′), the Schutzmantelmadonna bell (126.1 cm, 1258 kg, e′), the Antonius bell (112.1 cm, 884 kg, fis′), the Thomas bell (94.9 cm, 528 kg, a′), and the Joseph bell (84.2 cm, 364 kg, h′).

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The Parish church St. Anthony is a single-nave classical hall building with two dome vaults and a Gothic choir with a crypt. The northern modern tower adds a contemporary touch to the otherwise historical structure.

Inside, the high altar from 1799, built by Johann Anton Högler, stands as a testament to the church's artistic heritage. The altarpiece, Adoration of the Shepherds, was painted by Andreas Nesselthaler. Flanking the altar are statues of St. Anthony the Hermit and St. Jerome, created by Franz Xaver Nißl. The tabernacle, dating from 1880, and the side altars, crafted by Johann Doppler around 1790, further enhance the church's rich interior.

In the left side chapel, visitors can admire a wooden sculpture of Judas Thaddaeus by Hallein sculptor Max Domenig, adding a local artistic touch.

Musical Heritage

The church's musical heritage is equally impressive. Until 1879, a choir organ graced the church, described by Franz Xaver Gruber Jr. in 1870. The positive organ was sold in 1879 by Dean Johann Bap. Moser to Scheffau for 50 guilders.

The Gruber Organ, created in 1704, likely by Christoph Egedacher, featured a case made by Hallein carpenter Jacob Daigl. The organ, which had 13 registers on two manuals and a pedal, was expanded to 19 registers by Karl Mauracher in 1837. Franz Xaver Gruber, the church's choir director and organist from 1833, oversaw further modifications. A new organ by Matthäus Mauracher was completed in 1864, though Gruber did not live to see its completion.

In 1962/1963, the Dreher & Reinisch company fundamentally altered the Matthäus Mauracher organ, installing an electro-pneumatic action. In 2018, Rieger Orgelbau replaced the organ entirely, retaining only the original case. The new organ was consecrated on November 25, 2018, marking a new chapter in the church's musical history.

Parish church St. Anthony in Hallein is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of history, art, and music. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this picturesque Austrian town.