Pfarrkirche Schöngrabern, Romanesque parish church in Grabern, Austria
Pfarrkirche Schöngrabern is a late Romanesque stone church standing on a gentle hill in the northern part of Schöngrabern with carved figures adorning its exterior apse. The interior measures about 12 meters (39 feet) in width and contains large windows, Gothic wall paintings, and a historic organ from 1816.
The church was built between 1210 and 1230, possibly commissioned by Hadmar II of Kuenring as penance for the capture of King Richard the Lionheart. This foundation enabled the creation of one of the region's most important buildings during that period.
The church's name comes from the beauty of its carved stone facade, which has drawn visitors and worshippers for centuries. The skilled craftsmanship in the stonework shows how much this place meant to people in the region.
Access to the church is straightforward since it sits on a gentle hill and is clearly visible from outside. Plan enough time to examine the stone details on the exterior and the wall paintings inside at a comfortable pace.
Excavations between 1975 and 1978 revealed priest graves from the 17th and 18th centuries and uncovered the original Romanesque altar table. These archaeological findings offer a rare glimpse into the religious life of past centuries at this location.
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