Pfarr- und Dekanatskirche Bergheim zum Heiligen Georg

Gazing up at the Pfarr- und Dekanatskirche Bergheim zum Heiligen Georg, one might wonder about the stories these walls could tell. The Pfarr- und Dekanatskirche Bergheim zum Heiligen Georg, dedicated to Saint George, has stood in Bergheim for centuries. Its story begins long ago, mentioned in the Notitia Arnonis, a document from the 8th century. The church’s dedication to Saint George suggests a possible link to the Bergheim castle chapel. However, renovations in 1979/80 and 1990/91 unearthed no evidence of older wall remnants. This leaves the question of the Bergheim manor’s exact location unanswered. A church on this site is first documented in 927. This Gothic church likely shared the same axis as the current Baroque structure. In 1520, Bishop Berthold Pürstinger of Chiemsee consecrated the church, cemetery, and Laurentiuskapelle. By 1695, the deteriorating church was demolished. Master builder Matthias Köllensperger constructed a new church in the early Baroque style. The design is attributed to Giovanni Gaspare Zuccalli. He was also responsible for Salzburg’s St. Kajetan and St. Erhard churches, as well as the Bergheim affiliated churches in Söllheim and Hallwang. In the early 11th century, Bergheim became the seat of the mother parish. Its affiliated churches included Fischach and Anthering. The first named priest appears in records in 1211. The St. Martin affiliated church in Hallwang joined in 1430. Later, Anthering (1642) and Hallwang (1787) became separate vicariates. Elixhausen formed its own curacy in 1790. Since 1812, Bergheim has served as the seat of a deanery. Today, this deanery includes Anif, Bergheim, Elixhausen, Eugendorf, Grödig, Großgmain, Hallwang, Niederalm, Siezenheim, St. Vitalis, and Wals, along with the pastoral care centers of Fürstenbrunn-Glanegg, Rif, and Walserfeld. The church’s choir faces northeast. This aligns with the sun’s position on St. George’s Day (April 23rd). A gravestone of priest Wolfgang Hofer (died 1565) marks the southern entrance. A Holy Spirit window, created by Markus Ertl, adorns the round north window. Inside, the Pfarr- und Dekanatskirche Bergheim zum Heiligen Georg is a single-aisled hall church. Four yokes divide the nave, framed by wall pilasters. The choir concludes in a rounded apse. Rectangular windows and oval windows above illuminate the space. Barrel vaults continue the wall structure. A double gallery with an organ completes the western end. The high altar, crafted by Salzburg carpenter Lorenz Windpichler in 1705/1706, dominates the interior. The altarpiece portrays St. George battling the dragon, a symbol of evil. Above, the crowning of Mary graces another painting. Both works are by Johann Friedrich Pereth (1704). The altar features figures of Saints Judas Thaddaeus, Rupert, Peter, and John Nepomuk, alongside depictions of St. Joseph, John the Evangelist, Barbara, and Catherine of Alexandria. Archangel Michael stands at the altar’s peak. Georg Michler’s pulpit (1697) showcases Simeon Fries’s artistry. Christ as Salvator Mundi and the four Evangelists are depicted. A pomegranate, symbolizing Christ’s suffering, appears underneath. Lorenz Windpichler also crafted the side altars in 1707. The Kreuzaltar, with figures by Simeon Fries and an altarpiece from around 1704, stands on the left. It includes the Passau Maria-Hilf-Bild and figures of martyrs Stephen and Laurentius, and martyred women Apollonia and Agatha. Above, St. Scholastika and Ottilia of Alsace are depicted, with St. Margaret at the top. On the right, the Taufe-Christi-Altar portrays Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist. Roman soldiers, martyrs Sebastian and Florian, adorn the round top image. Figures of Saints Zacharias and Elizabeth, along with Anthony of Padua, Francis of Assisi, and Charles Borromeo, complete the ensemble. A painting of St. Joseph with the Christ Child by Tyrolean painter Toni Kirchmayr (1940) rests on the mensa. The Pfarr- und Dekanatskirche Bergheim zum Heiligen Georg stands as a testament to time, faith, and artistic skill. Its story continues to unfold, inviting all who enter to be captivated by its rich history.