Standing before the Guten Hirten Kapelle, a quaint chapel tucked away in the countryside south of Obertrum am See, one might feel a sense of serenity wash over them. It is an unassuming structure, yet holds a rich history and a captivating story.
The Guten Hirten Kapelle was originally built in 1721 as part of a private hermitage by Dechant Johann Baptist Ölperl, a learned Mattsee canon. It was designated specifically as a haven for contemplative reflection and housed the revered image of the Good Shepherd. The statue, a gift from the Provost of Mattsee in 1712, was the focal point of this sanctuary.
However, to obtain a license for mass in the chapel, Ölperl needed to rebuild it in 1747 with sturdy masonry. The chapel was finally consecrated in 1748. During this reconstruction, the chapel received a magnificent marble altar, an organ, and intricately carved and painted balustrades, which are only partially preserved today. The chapel’s captivating stucco embellishments were added later, in 1760/70, by the renowned Salzburg stucco artist Benedikt Zopf. From 1986-1988 the chapel underwent a comprehensive renovation under the expert guidance of the skilled restorer, Roland Huber, and the assistance of Friedrich Czerwenka.
The chapel has a three-part floorplan: an almost square entrance hall, a rectangular prayer space and a semi-circular apse. The roof and bell tower are covered with shingles, and the tower’s peak is adorned with a sphere emblazoned with a cross. The building’s exterior is a delightful combination of pink-tinged stonework and white trim. Within the chapel, the interior is adorned with a fresco representing the “Good Shepherd,” a powerful symbol of God’s unwavering care for his flock.
The chapel’s original entrance, crafted entirely from wood, housed two rows of benches for parishioners. The chapel’s main body, with its single nave and two bays ending in a semicircular choir, exemplifies the classic Baroque style. However, the chapel’s entrance and the accompanying fresco showcase the remnants of the former hermitage that once existed.
Nestled in a quiet corner of the Salzburger countryside, the Guten Hirten Kapelle stands as a testament to religious devotion and artistic ingenuity. It invites visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the enduring power of faith through the centuries.