parish church Gmunden with Schwanthale

Three-nave early Gothic church with Baroque altar of the Three Kings by Thomas Schwanthaler

First mentioned in documents in 1323, its oldest parts date back to the time when the parish was founded (1301).

The Catholic parish church stands on the church square in the centre of the old town. The three-nave church dates from the early Gothic period. At the beginning of the 18th century, the simple square tower was raised and crowned with a bulbous spire. Originally, the church was dedicated to the Assumption of Mary (feast day on 15 August), but after the Baroque renovation it was dedicated to the Feast of the Three Kings (feast day on 6 January).

The most precious piece of furniture is the high altar with the famous Three Kings group by Thomas Schwanthaler (1678, the only Three Kings altar in Austria). The high altar of the church is undoubtedly Thomas Schwanthaler's second major work alongside the Baroque double altar of St. Wolfgang. In the centre is the Adoration of Christ by the Three Kings.

At the edge of the altar are expressive figures of Elizabeth and Zacharias, created by the Baroque master Michael Zürn the Younger. He also carved the Anna Altar, which is now located in the left rear aisle of the parish church.

This church houses many outstanding art treasures: the oldest is a crucifix from around 1500, the Poor Souls Altar with a stone relief and a Man of Sorrows by Bonaventura Schwanthaler from the 16th century. The crucifixion group was created at the beginning of the 16th century, and the ceramic Madonna of Mercy above the right side entrance is the work of Emilia Schleiß-Simandl (1947), created in gratitude for the church's preservation from war damage. You will also find many gravestones and reliefs dating from the first quarter of the 15th century. On the southern exterior of the church (on the lake side), frescoes from around 1525 were uncovered during renovation work in 1946/47 under two Gothic semi-arches: Saint Christopher and the Last Judgement.

In 2017, the 5-voice Florian bell chime was expanded by two additional Grassmayr bells, donated by a benefactor. In 2019, a new tower cross was installed (the old one can be found among the votive candles). A richly illustrated church guide and high-quality art cards are available for purchase.

For pastoral services and the variety of church services, please refer to the parish newsletter and our website: www.dioezese-linz.at/gmunden (only available in German).

Next to the parish church is the historic vicarage dating from 1508.

For more information, see Gmunden's treasures! (only available in German).