Silent-Night-Chapel, Roman Catholic chapel in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria
The Silent Night Chapel is a Roman Catholic memorial chapel in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, built between 1924 and 1936 on the rubble of the former St. Nicholas Church. It is an octagon with a bell helmet and lantern, and a portal with a hipped canopy. The arched windows were made in 1935 by the Tyrolean Stained Glass Institute, showing Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber.
The Nikolauskirche, first recorded in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 1770s after a 1757 fire, became Oberndorf's parish church in 1816. Flooding in the 1890s forced its abandonment; it was demolished in 1913. The memorial chapel was begun in 1924 and completed on 15 August 1937.
The chapel draws people from around the world, especially during the Christmas season, when they gather to hear the song performed in different languages. The place has become a center for international remembrance of this beloved carol.
The chapel is easily reached on foot from Oberndorf train station, which has regular connections from Salzburg. The site is open to visitors throughout the day and hosts services and special events.
The high altar features a Nativity scene by Hermann Hutter, while a relief beneath it shows the Adoration of the Magi by Max Domenig. Together, these two artworks tell the Christmas story through sculpture.
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