Saint Nicholas church

In the heart of Merano, Italy, stands the Saint Nicholas church, known locally as Chiesa di San Nicolò. This late Gothic marvel, nestled in the bustling Pfarrplatz, is not just a place of worship but a testament to the town's rich history and architectural splendor. Recognized as a symbol of Merano, the church has been under monument protection since 1980, drawing visitors from around the globe to admire its beauty and historical significance.

The History of Saint Nicholas Church

The origins of the Saint Nicholas church date back to the 13th century, a period when Merano was evolving from a medieval market settlement into a prominent town. The earliest mention of a church in this area is from 1266, dedicated to Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter Martyr, who had recently been canonized. Initially, the church was part of the older parish of Tirol and, due to the diocesan boundary at the Passer River, belonged to the Diocese of Chur until 1816.

As Merano grew, the need for a larger church became apparent. The construction of the new church was a lengthy process, beginning in the latter half of the 14th century. By 1367, the nave and choir were consecrated. The church's construction saw contributions from various master builders, including the Rottweiler masons and Stefan Tobler from Burghausen, who vaulted the nave after 1438. The fully completed church was consecrated on November 10, 1465. The tower, initially built with the choir in the 14th century, saw its third story with Gothic windows completed by the church's consecration. The clock was added in 1545, and the spire followed by 1618.

Despite having a parish vicar since the 14th century, Saint Nicholas church remained a filial church to the parish of Tirol until the early 16th century. In 1657, Merano became an independent parish, elevating Saint Nicholas to the status of a parish church. The 17th century saw significant interior modifications, including the construction of a gallery near the main portal and the relocation of the organ from the choir to this new gallery. Extensive renovations were carried out between 1882 and 1898 under the supervision of Friedrich von Schmidt, a master builder from Vienna. The church underwent further restoration in 1957 and a comprehensive renovation from 1993 to 2000.

Architectural Marvels of Saint Nicholas Church

The Saint Nicholas church is a late Gothic three-aisled hall church, terminating in a polygonal choir to the east. The church's southern side is adorned with a 78-meter-high tower. The west facade features a triangular gable crowned with turret-like battlements and flat arch niches. Below this gable, a rose window is nestled between two buttresses, and to the right of the central pointed arch portal is a richly detailed wall painting depicting the Carrying of the Cross, dating back to around 1518.

On the southern facade, a mural depicting the Raising of Lazarus serves as a tomb painting for Christoph Hafner, who died in 1699. Adjacent to this mural is a niche with a steeply rising gable containing a statue of Saint Nicholas, a fine work by the Rottweiler masons. The large western south portal, adorned with crockets and open trefoils, features figures of Saint James, Saint Andrew, Mary with Child, Christ as the Gardener, Saint Paul, and Saint Bartholomew. Additionally, a ten-meter-high mural of Saint Christopher, repainted by Alfons Siber in 1896, adorns the eastern south portal. The facade also includes several notable tombstones, such as those for Erasmus Scharsacher (1483) and Hanns Ueblher (1459–1509), and a bronze epitaph for Benigna and Everosina von Wolkenstein (1586) by Alexander Colin.

The Interior of Saint Nicholas Church

The interior of Saint Nicholas church is equally impressive, with a length of 52 meters and a width of 32 meters. Ten massive round columns support the ribbed vaulting, creating a unified space despite the differing widths of the side aisles. The northern aisle is six meters wide, while the southern is four meters wide. The slightly northward-tilting presbytery, separated by a modest triumphal arch, is considered one of the finest creations of High Gothic Tyrolean architecture.

The Choir and High Altar

The high altar, created by Jakob Pirchstaller between 1786 and 1788, features a freestanding mensa made of Ratschings marble and two wooden angels in adoration. The original altar, a wooden carving by Hans Schnatterpeck, was later replaced by paintings by Johann Panneels (1643) and Matthias Pußjäger. The seven stained glass windows, donated by Merano citizens in 1888–1889, depict scenes from the life of Mary, with the central window illustrating the Coronation of the Virgin. Fourteen statues, designed by Emanuel Pendl and executed by his father Franz Xaver Pendl, adorn the space between the windows, representing Christ, Mary, and the twelve apostles.

The Triumph Arch and Nave

The wooden triumphal cross at the apex of the arch was crafted by Blasius Mayrhofer. Classical altars by Jakob Pirchstaller, featuring paintings by Martin Knoller, stand on either side of the arch. The north side altar depicts the Last Supper, while the south side altar shows the Nativity. The confessionals, designed by Friedrich von Schmidt and executed by Josef Waßler, are also notable features. Above the first confessional hangs a painting of the Visitation by Friedrich Wasmann. The nave also houses a late Gothic winged altar, originally from the Johanniterkirche in Tarsch, acquired in 1888 and restored by Josef Waßler in 1890–1891. This altar features figures of Mary with Child, a deacon (possibly Saint Stephen), and Bartholomew, with reliefs of Saint George and Saint Maurice on the inner wings and Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Sebastian on the outer wings.

A Must-Visit in Merano

Saint Nicholas church is not just a place of worship but a treasure trove of art and history, reflecting Merano's rich cultural heritage. Its stunning architecture, historical significance, and exquisite artworks make it a must-visit for anyone exploring this charming Italian town. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Saint Nicholas church promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.