Windische Kapelle, Religious chapel on Mount Dobratsch, Nötsch im Gailtal, Austria

The Windische Kapelle sits near the summit of Mount Dobratsch at about 2166 meters elevation and displays late Baroque features with stone buttresses. This small chapel has a simple floor plan and appears firmly rooted despite its exposed location on the ridge.

Baron von Semler of Wasserleonburg had the chapel built in 1690 as the fulfilment of a vow. Another legend names a Frau Semmler, owner of the same castle, as the founder after her deaf-mute son was healed through the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Until 1760 the chapel was a branch of Sankt Georgen im Gailtal; today it belongs to the parish of Saak.

The chapel is dedicated to the Feast of the Assumption. Its name, Windische Kapelle (Slovene: Slovenska cerkev), distinguishes it from the German Chapel 300 m away, dedicated to Maria am Stein. Until 1760 it was a filial of Sankt Georgen im Gailtal; today it belongs to the parish of Saak.

The chapel is reachable via hiking trails on Mount Dobratsch that require stamina and sturdy footwear. Visitors should expect changeable weather and bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days.

The chapel is one of two Marian shrines on the Dobratsch summit, named "Windisch" to tell it apart from the German Chapel 300 m away. Its west portal has a carved stone frame and a door marked "FCVA 1825"; the Black Madonna fresco above it is by Helga Druml, born in Villach in 1972.