Heiligenkreuzkirche, Villach

Heiligenkreuzkirche, also known by its local name Heiligenkreuzkirche Villach, is a stunning example of late Baroque architecture nestled in the charming town of Villach, Austria. This Roman Catholic parish and pilgrimage church stands proudly on the southern bank of the Drava River in the Perau district, a testament to centuries of faith, artistry, and history.

The History of Heiligenkreuzkirche

The origins of Heiligenkreuzkirche can be traced back to the 8th century, with the first mention of a church dedicated to St. Peter in Perau in 1233. This early church was situated closer to the Drava River. In 1244, the church was handed over to the Katharinenspital and elevated to parish status. By 1280, St. Peter's Church, along with the Katharinenspital, was incorporated into the Griffen Abbey.

The legend behind the founding of the pilgrimage church tells of a crucifix that miraculously grew out of a nearby wall, transforming Perau into a pilgrimage site in the 18th century. The current church was constructed between 1726 and 1738, based on designs by Hans Eder, who also planned several other notable chapels. The building was consecrated in 1744 and officially dedicated in 1751 by the first Archbishop of Gorizia, Carl Michael Count Attems. The associated Heiligenkreuz Chapel was built in 1771 and consecrated in 1774. The parish rights were transferred to the new church in 1783, and the old St. Peter's Church was demolished in 1809.

Architectural Marvels

Heiligenkreuzkirche is built on a cruciform plan, with the central slender dome rising above the crossing, supported by an octagonal drum and lantern. The church’s two three-story facade towers are adorned with pilasters and cornices, each featuring niches with statues and window openings. The pilasters' capitals transition from Tuscan to Ionic to Corinthian as they ascend. The towers are crowned with high onion domes, adding to the church’s Baroque charm.

The oldest bell, cast in 1728 by Andreas Röder, adds a historical touch to the church’s auditory experience. In 1964, the 900 kg Kreuzglocke (Cross Bell) and the 368 kg Petrusglocke (Peter's Bell) were added. The niches in the towers house statues of saints, including St. Benedict or St. Francis of Assisi, St. John the Baptist, St. Ulrich, St. Ferdinand of Castile, St. Helena, and St. Anthony of Padua.

The facade between the towers features a rectangular porch above the entrance, topped with an Ecce Homo group. The central facade is capped with an aedicula containing a statue of Christ the King, created by Jacob Campidell in 1929. Beneath the portico, a vivid depiction of the Accusation of Christ, painted in the first half of the 19th century, adds to the church’s artistic allure.

Interior Splendor

The interior of Heiligenkreuzkirche is equally impressive. The one-and-a-half-bay nave leads to the crossing and transept, each with semi-circular apses. The two-bay choir ends in an apse, flanked by square annexes with oratories on the upper floor. The walls are articulated with pilasters featuring ornate capitals, and a heavily protruding cornice with segmental arched windows above.

Under the slightly curved organ loft, a painting signed F. P. 1743 depicts the Expulsion of the Money Changers from the Temple, adding a historical narrative to the church’s decor.

Frescos and Artistic Works

The church’s vaults are adorned with frescos created in 1960 by Fritz Fröhlich in a late-expressionist style. The dome features the apocalyptic Lamb with the 24 Elders, while the pendentives depict saints Helena, Bernard, Longinus, and Joseph of Arimathea. The choir’s frescos center on the Resurrection of Christ, flanked by angels holding instruments of the Passion.

The side apses feature depictions of St. Rupert and St. Modestus, and the Assumption of Mary. Above the organ, St. Cecilia is portrayed, adding a musical touch to the church’s artistic narrative.

Notable Altars and Pulpit

The church’s furnishings date from the second quarter of the 18th century, with statues by Joseph Mayer. The monumental high altar, with its side sacrificial portals and elevated predella, fills the choir with its grandeur. The central niche houses a Crucifixion group, flanked by statues of St. Norbert and St. Augustine. The altar’s original ivory-colored statues were repainted in 1871 with colorful, gold, and silver accents.

The Weeping Altar in the northern transept features a painting of the Lamentation of Christ, attributed to the followers of Franz Anton Maulbertsch. The altar is flanked by statues of Jesuit saints Aloysius Gonzaga and Stanislaus Kostka. The upper painting depicts St. Joseph in a folk style.

The southern side altar features a painting of the Good Thief, also from the Maulbertsch school, flanked by statues of St. Peter and Mary Magdalene. The upper painting depicts a kneeling king, representing either St. Francis Borgia or an Old Testament king.

Under the organ loft stands a small Magdalene altar from the 17th century, acquired from the Oberwollanig church in 1959/61. The main painting shows a bust of Mary Magdalene, with an upper painting of the Madonna and Child. The altar is crowned with a medallion bearing the IHS monogram.

The pulpit, dating from the third quarter of the 18th century, features figures of the four Evangelists on its bulges. The soundboard is adorned with female figures symbolizing the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. The pulpit’s volute is topped with a statue of Moses holding the Tablets of the Law. The relief on the pulpit’s back depicts Christ as the Good Shepherd.

Heiligenkreuz Chapel

To the right below the organ loft is the entrance to the Heiligenkreuz Chapel, with its painted stucco frames depicting the Holy Trinity, Resurrection, and Ascension. The walls feature console figures of saints Joseph, John Nepomuk, and Anthony of Padua, along with 19th-century votive pictures.

The adjacent Heiligenkreuz Chapel is a narrow, single-nave, two-bay chapel with a recessed west choir. The chapel is vaulted with a low barrel vault with transverse ribs. The narrow wall pillars have decorated capitals and a slightly protruding cornice. The ceiling’s painted stucco frames depict scenes from the life of Mary, including the Presentation, Annunciation, Marriage, Visitation, and Assumption.

The Organ

The organ, built between 1865 and 1868 by Josef Grafenauer, was expanded in 1876 and received a new, free-standing console in 1906. Restored in 2003 by Bernhard Ottitsch, the organ features a new tin pipe facade and has been returned to its original state. The organ has 17 stops on two manuals and a pedal, with fully mechanical action.

Heiligenkreuzkirche in Villach is not just a place of worship but a beacon of Baroque artistry and historical significance. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and artistic treasures make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the cultural heritage of Austria.