Benefiziatskirche St. Michael, Lienz, Gothic church in Lienz, Austria
St. Michael's Church is a Gothic sanctuary in Lienz with a Gothic nave, saddle roof, and polygonal choir that define its traditional layout. The distinctive Baroque tower with a double onion dome is a defining feature of the city's skyline.
The building first appeared in written records in 1308, marking its early presence in the city's religious life. The choir was constructed during the second half of the 15th century by builders from Gorz, reflecting Italian craftsmanship in the region.
The interior is filled with epitaphs and memorial stones dedicated to the Lords of Graben family, who were connected to this church across generations. These personal remembrances of deceased family members still shape the appearance of the house of worship today and tell stories of local history.
The church sits in the center of the former cattle market on Beda-Weber-Gasse street and is easy for visitors to reach while exploring the historic district. Its central location makes it simple to include in a walk through the old town.
The vault displays unusual rib patterns forming flower-star shapes, with an eight-petaled design repeated in the choir vault in 1667. These geometric patterns are carefully worked into the structure and can be seen when looking up from the floor.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
