Pfarrkirche Maria Gail, Gothic parish church in Villach, Austria
Pfarrkirche Maria Gail is a pilgrimage church south of Villach whose Romanesque core was enlarged around 1450 with a late-Gothic net-ribbed vault, organ gallery, Anna chapel and presbytery. The choir ends in a three-eighth close, and carved stone reliefs on the south outer walls show the Archangel Michael with sword and scales of souls, probably part of a Last Judgment made before 1300.
The church was first documented in 1136 and suffered heavy damage during Turkish invasions in 1478. A bell from that siege remains housed in the building today.
The high altar is an aedicula altar whose shrine holds a carved wooden Schutzmantelmadonna with the Child, made around 1600 and venerated as the church's Gnadenbild. It is flanked by Saint Sebastian pierced by arrows and Saint Roch showing a plague sore; the offering portals carry Saint George and Saint Florian.
The building can be viewed from outside at any time, with regular daily masses held inside. Before entering the interior, check opening times in advance since the church is only open to visitors at specific times.
The nave walls bear Romanesque frescoes from the 13th century that rank among the oldest decorative elements. These medieval wall paintings offer insight into the artistic practices of that era.
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