Villach Friary
Villach Friary, also known as Franziskanerkloster Villach, is a Franciscan friary in Villach, Carinthia, Austria, responsible for the parish of St. Nicholas. Established in 1888 after the demolition and rebuilding of a previous structure, it serves the spiritual needs of the local community and has undergone several restorations and adaptations since its founding.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1888 by the Tyrolean Franciscan Province.
- ›Responsible for the spiritual care of the parish of St. Nicholas (Sankt Nikolai) in Villach.
- ›The church and friary were rebuilt on the site of a suppressed Capuchin friary.
- ›The church was consecrated in 1896 and designed in Gothic Revival style.
- ›The church sustained bomb damage in 1945 and was subsequently rebuilt.
Gothic Revival
Church of St. Nicholas, Gothic Revival Architecture, Parish Responsibilities
Franziskanerkloster Villach
Mgr. Peter Funder, Stephan Dionys Cserveny Von Zabor, Fr. Johannes Maria Reiter, Clemens Raffeiner, Josef Bachlechner, Emanuel Walch, Schmalz
- Suppression of the Capuchin Friary In 1786
- Arrival of the First Franciscans In 1886
- Demolition and Rebuilding of the Friary and Church
- Bomb Damage To the Church In 1945
- Adaptation of the Crypt For Divine Service In 1981
About Villach Friary
Villach Friary, also known by its German name Franziskanerkloster Villach, is a religious institution situated in the city of Villach, within the state of Carinthia, Austria. It is operated by the Franciscan Order and holds responsibility for the spiritual administration of the local parish of St. Nicholas (Sankt Nikolai).
History and Establishment
The establishment of Villach Friary is a direct response to a significant shortage of priests in the region. In 1886, Mgr. Peter Funder, the bishop of Gurk, approached the Tyrolean Franciscan Province to assume the pastoral care of the Sankt Nikolai parish. The Franciscans subsequently arrived in Villach and took up residence in a former Capuchin friary, which had been suppressed in 1786. However, this existing friary and its adjacent church were found to be in such a state of disrepair that they were demolished the following year and rebuilt. The reconstruction efforts were largely financed by Stephan Dionys Cserveny von Zabor of Salzburg. Despite considerable opposition from municipal authorities, the friary was officially re-established in 1888, with the demolition of the old church commencing in 1890-1891. The new church and its high altar were designed by the Franciscan architect Fr. Johannes Maria Reiter, and the consecration ceremony took place in 1896.
Church of St. Nicholas and Artistic Contributions
The friary and its parish church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, were constructed in the Gothic Revival architectural style. The church measures 48.5 meters in length and 20 meters in width, with a nave height reaching 17 meters. The church tower stands just under 64 meters tall. Due to the patronage of the Tyrolean Franciscan Province, the church features contributions from several prominent artists from the region. The high altar was crafted by cabinet maker Clemens Raffeiner from Schwaz, based on designs by Fr. Johannes Maria Reiter. Sculptor Josef Bachlechner from Hall in Tirol created the statue of Saint Nicholas and various reliefs. The frescoes depicting the childhood of Jesus in the nave are the work of academic painter Emanuel Walch, and the Stations of the Cross were sculpted by Schmalz from Gröden.
Later History and Renovations
Since its establishment, the Franciscans have continuously served the parish. The church suffered damage from a bomb in 1945, necessitating partial reconstruction after the war. The building underwent several restoration projects in the latter half of the 20th century. In 1981, the crypt was adapted to facilitate the celebration of divine services, ensuring its continued use for the community.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Villach Friary established?
Villach Friary was newly established in 1888. The first Franciscans arrived in the town in 1886 and moved into a previously suppressed Capuchin friary which was subsequently demolished and rebuilt.
What is the architectural style of the church associated with Villach Friary?
The friary and its parish church, the Church of St. Nicholas, were built in the Gothic Revival style. The church features significant dimensions, with a length of 48.5 meters and a nave height of 17 meters.
Has the Villach Friary church undergone any damage?
Yes, the church sustained damage from a bomb in 1945 during World War II. It had to be partly rebuilt after the war and has undergone several restorations throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
Who was involved in the construction and decoration of the Church of St. Nicholas?
Several notable Tyrolean artists were involved in the church's construction and decoration. These included Franciscan Fr. Johannes Maria Reiter for the designs of the church and high altar, sculptor Josef Bachlechner for the statue of Saint Nicholas, academic painter Emanuel Walch for frescoes, and sculptor Schmalz for the Stations of the Cross.
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