St. Jakob, also known in the local language as St. Jakob, stands as a magnificent beacon of history and architecture in the heart of Villach, Austria. This Roman Catholic parish church, dedicated to St. James, offers a captivating glimpse into the town's rich past and its architectural splendor.
The origins of St. Jakob date back to the early 12th century, with the first documented mention in 1136. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous transformations, each layer adding to its historical tapestry. The church you see today is a spacious late Gothic hall church with a commanding west tower.
In 1348, a devastating earthquake reduced the original structure to ruins, sparing only the tower. The reconstruction was a labor of love and dedication, spanning over a century. The choir was rebuilt between 1360 and 1370, and the nave followed between 1450 and 1460. The southern chapel, founded by Countess Palatine Katharina of Gorizia in 1462, and the northeastern choir chapel, established by Georg Leininger in 1482, are testaments to the church's Gothic heritage.
The church faced further challenges, including another earthquake in 1690 and a fire in 1784 that necessitated the rebuilding of the choir vault. In 1906, a ramp with a fountain niche designed by Alfred Keller was added around the church, enhancing its accessibility and aesthetic appeal. The church was elevated to the status of the main parish church of the city in 1908.
St. Jakob's exterior is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with its most striking feature being the towering spire. Standing at an impressive height of 93.87 meters, it is the tallest church tower in Carinthia. The tower's base, constructed with quoined masonry and corner pilasters, dates back to the post-1348 earthquake reconstruction. The upper part of the tower, rebuilt after the 1690 earthquake and again in 1759, showcases a blend of Gothic and Baroque elements.
A distinctive feature of the tower is the octagonal top with a pointed helmet, added between 1845 and 1847. Visitors can ascend the 239 steps to the tower's viewing platform, which offers breathtaking views over Villach and the surrounding landscape. The narrow spiral staircase above the bell chamber is regulated by a traffic light system, ensuring a safe and timed ascent.
The church's west facade is marked by its simple yet elegant design, with round niches and pointed arch windows adorned with tracery. The late Gothic west portal, with its baroque wooden door inscribed with the year 1717, adds a historical charm. Statues of St. James and other saints grace the facade, enhancing its spiritual aura.
Stepping inside St. Jakob is like entering a time capsule of religious art and architecture. The three-aisled, six-bay hall church is supported by ten round pillars, with the western pair integrated into the three-bay organ gallery. The intricate ribbed vaulting, adorned with rich tracery, rests on small consoles marked with stonemason's symbols.
The choir, elevated by three steps, features six richly decorated windows with tracery. The baroque cross-ribbed vault, adorned with stucco ornaments and fresco medallions, depicts allegories of the Trinity and angels. The walls are adorned with paintings and sculptures, including a life-sized mural of St. Christopher attributed to Thomas of Villach.
The high altar, a masterpiece of Rococo craftsmanship from 1784/85, dominates the choir. It features a monumental late Gothic crucifix from 1502, flanked by statues of St. Lawrence and St. James. The altar is crowned with figures of the Magi, adding a touch of regal splendor.
The church houses several other altars, each with its unique artistic and spiritual significance. The Joseph Altar in the northern aisle, with its mid-18th-century columnar retable, depicts the death of St. Joseph and the Visitation of Mary. The John Nepomuk Altar, with its four-column structure, features a statue of the saint and a relief of his martyrdom.
The Anna Selbdritt Altar, with its central figures of the Madonna and Child and St. Anne, is flanked by statues of St. Joseph and St. Joachim. The Mary Magdalene Altar in the southern aisle, with its early 18th-century retable, portrays the penitent saint. The blacksmiths' altar under the organ gallery, with its painting of St. Eligius and a small statue of St. Thérèse, adds to the church's artistic diversity.
The pulpit, originally located at the central pillar and later moved to the southeastern round pillar, is a significant work of art, bridging the Gothic and Renaissance styles. Created in 1555 by Georg Ulrich von Künsberg, it reflects the transition in artistic tastes and religious practices.
St. Jakob in Villach is not just a church; it is a living museum of faith, art, and history. Its walls echo the stories of centuries, inviting visitors to explore and experience the spiritual and cultural heritage of Villach. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, St. Jakob offers a rich and rewarding experience that will leave you inspired and awed.
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