Pfarrkirche St. Stephan, Tulln

Nestled in the charming town of Tulln an der Donau, the Pfarrkirche St. Stephan stands as a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and historical significance. This Roman Catholic parish church, with its striking twin towers and rich history, invites visitors to explore its fascinating past and admire its architectural beauty.

The Origins of Pfarrkirche St. Stephan

The origins of the Pfarrkirche St. Stephan date back to the 11th century. On July 5, 1014, Emperor Henry II granted the royal property to the Diocese of Passau for the construction of a church. The remnants of its Romanesque foundations still whisper tales of its ancient beginnings. Originally comprising what is now the nave, the church featured a chancel and likely an apse, setting the stage for future expansions.

In the 12th century, significant additions transformed the church into the three-nave pillar basilica we see today. The southern aisle still retains its Romanesque arch, marking the transition to the original apse. The Romanesque charm is particularly evident on the south side, with half-columns and cube-shaped capitals, while the north side underwent more extensive changes over time.

Gothic Transformations

The late 13th century saw the reconstruction of the nave in the early Gothic style, echoing the architectural trends of mendicant order churches. The Gothic high choir, with its four-bay ribbed vault and polygonal apse, dates from the first half of the 14th century. This period also saw the addition of the northern side chapel, known as the Marienkapelle, and the Gothicized south portal.

Following a fire between 1496 and 1513, the nave was equipped with ribbed vaults under the guidance of councilor Martin Gerstenecker. Although the new vaults did not reach the height of the choir, they added a Gothic elegance to the interior.

Baroque Enhancements

The Baroque period brought further changes to the church, especially after the devastating town fire of 1752. The interior was completely refurbished, and the west towers were heightened, receiving their distinctive Baroque helmets. A connection between the towers was created to house the tower watchman, adding a unique feature to the church's silhouette.

Above the west portal, a stone double-headed eagle clutches Turkish skulls in its talons, commemorating Tulln's role in the relief of Vienna in 1683. This emblem, originally located above the high altar, was relocated to the west facade in 1786.

Exploring the Church's Interior

The church's interior is a treasure trove of art and history. The marble high altar, transferred from the Carmelite monastery in St. Pölten in 1786, features paintings by Joseph Steiner depicting the 'Stoning of St. Stephen' and the 'Holy Trinity'. Statues of saints Camillus and Leopold flank the altar, while upper statues of saints Magdalena and Rosalia were later additions.

The Rococo choir stalls, dating from around 1750, were brought from the Carthusian monastery in Gaming in 1790. Initially too large, they underwent adaptations and received an additional front row in 1861.

The Church's Bells and Organ

The church's bell ensemble, known as the Pummerin, has a storied history. After the 1752 fire, new bells were cast using metal donated by Empress Maria Theresa. The bells faced challenges during both World Wars but were ultimately preserved and returned. In 2013, in preparation for the church's 1000-year anniversary, new bells were added, enhancing the church's melodic presence.

The church also boasts a mechanical organ with 37 registers, built between 1958 and 1960. This instrument, crafted by the Upper Austrian Organ Building Institute in St. Florian, continues to fill the church with harmonious sounds.

A Journey Through Time

Visiting the Pfarrkirche St. Stephan is like stepping into a time capsule that captures the essence of Tulln's rich history and architectural evolution. From its Romanesque roots to its Gothic transformations and Baroque enhancements, the church stands as a symbol of resilience and artistic achievement.

Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone seeking a moment of tranquility, the Pfarrkirche St. Stephan offers an unforgettable experience. Its walls echo with stories of the past, inviting you to explore and appreciate the beauty and heritage of this remarkable Austrian landmark.