Was it fate or mere chance that led to St. Erhard’s presence here in Mauer? The story of this church is a fascinating blend of medieval defense, baroque artistry, and 20th-century ingenuity.
St. Erhard Mauer, a Roman Catholic church, stands as a testament to Mauer’s evolving identity. Originally, Mauer wasn’t its own parish. The Catholic residents belonged to Atzgersdorf. It wasn’t until 1783 that Mauer became its own parish.
Let’s jump back to the mid-15th century. A Gothic church was erected. 1458 marks the first mention of “sand Erhartscapelle in der Maur.” The Knights of Eckartsau, then lords of Mauer, made it happen. They were obliged to the Hochstift Regensburg. This explains why Saint Erhard of Regensburg became the church’s patron saint.
From the start, the building was designed as a “Wehrkirche” a defense church. Despite its sturdy construction, St. Erhard suffered damage during the Turkish sieges.
Fast forward to the early 20th century. The church faced a problem. It was too small. A new streetcar line was planned. It would run directly through the church’s main nave. Architect Clemens Holzmeister was tasked to solve these issues. From 1934 to 1936, Holzmeister undertook significant renovations. The entire nave was torn down. The church was reoriented on a north-south axis. The medieval church tower from 1770 was preserved. The Gothic choir became a side chapel. It is now the Erhard Chapel.
The church’s exterior changed dramatically in the 1930s. The new nave is box-shaped. It features a simple gable roof. The older nave was in a simple baroque style. It had a portal and a gabled roof. The Langhaus may seem simple. However, the church’s interior is precious. Many baroque items have been preserved.
Giovanni Giuliani’s Pietà from 1710 is one such treasure. Paul Troger painted the high altar image around 1740. It shows Saint Erhard adoring the Holy Trinity. Gerhard Weixelberger, Abbot of Heiligenkreuz Abbey, donated a magnificent sun monstrance around 1707. Rudolf Eisenmenger created the Stations of the Cross cycle in the nave in 1934.
Consider the blend of styles at St. Erhard Mauer. It might seem odd. Yet, it is precisely this mix that makes it unique. The church’s history and art offer a glimpse into Mauer’s past. A past of faith, resilience, and artistic devotion.