Sankt Nikolaus, Parish church and cemetery in Elbigenalp, Austria
Sankt Nikolaus is a parish church with baroque features in Elbigenalp, distinguished by large round-arched windows, circular windows, and a steep gabled roof with wooden shingles. The cemetery beside the church holds two chapels, one serving as an ossuary and the other containing a notable crucifix.
The original parish in the Lechtal Valley traces back to 1312, with church construction beginning around 1300 and expansions occurring in the 15th century. This building phase reflects the community's growth and the importance of the religious life in the valley.
The name refers to Saint Nicholas, whose life and miracles appear in the frescoes visible on the walls, showing how the saint's veneration remained alive in the valley. These images connected the local community to broader Christian traditions.
The church and cemetery are located in the town center and easily reached on foot, with access to both areas freely available. Visitors will find the frescoes and details most visible in daylight hours.
The upper sacristy preserves a 1450s fresco depicting Christ as World Judge with angels and apostles in vivid detail. This work from the Swabian school is less known than the later paintings and deserves closer attention.
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