Autobahnkirche Haid, Modern parish church near West Autobahn A1 in Ansfelden, Austria
Autobahnkirche Haid is a modern parish building beside the West Autobahn A1 in Ansfelden, marked by a 42-meter tower that stands out in the landscape. The interior is defined by concrete and glass windows on the north and south sides, bringing ample light into the prayer space.
The building was inaugurated in August 1964 and was Austria's first motorway church, created through a competition organized by the city of Linz. This design marked a turning point in sacred architecture, showing how modern churches could integrate into transportation landscapes.
The church is dedicated to Saint Paul and the Assumption of Mary, serving as a gathering place for both residents and travelers passing through the region. Its name reflects its special role as a spiritual center alongside one of Austria's main transportation routes.
The location is easy to reach from the West Autobahn and offers visitors a calm place to pause during their travel. The modern design and size of the building allow for open access at any time without requiring reservations.
Before the new sacred building was constructed, worshippers held services between 1947 and 1961 in a former dining hall of a displaced persons camp. This unusual connection shows how the community maintained continuity of faith at this site for more than a decade.
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