Pfarrkirche St. Bartholomäus, Friesach, Medieval parish church in Friesach, Austria
Pfarrkirche St. Bartholomäus is a medieval parish church featuring two towers at the western end and a basilica-style floor plan that organizes the worship space. Rounded arches support the interior columns, creating distinct sections that guide visitors through the building's layout.
The church first appeared in written records in 1187, establishing its place among the region's early stone buildings. The distinctive long choir was added during the early 1300s and remains a defining feature of the interior today.
The stained glass inside tells stories through color and light, showing how medieval craftspeople understood religious art. Walking through the space, these windows shape how visitors experience the interior and its spiritual mood.
The church is generally open during daytime hours, allowing visitors to enter during services and at other times when access is available. Those exploring inside should be prepared for uneven flooring and varying light levels typical of medieval buildings.
Built into the exterior is a Romanesque portal originally from an ossuary, featuring a carved relief of Christ that stands as a distinct architectural element. This salvaged piece demonstrates how medieval builders reused older materials when constructing new structures.
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