St. Peter und Paul

Gazing upon St. Peter und Paul, a quiet reverence descends. Do you feel the whispers of history echoing through its stones? This church, the heart of Mauren in Liechtenstein, holds stories within its walls, stories waiting to be unveiled. St. Peter und Paul is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith, resilience, and artistic expression. Its history stretches back to the 13th century, a time when the first whispers of a church in Mauren emerged. Imagine a small, humble structure, a precursor to the grandeur we see today. This original church, possibly dating back to the 8th century, evolved. Around 1500, it embraced the elegance of Gothic architecture. Yet, time marched on, and in 1842, the old church made way for the new. A classicist design by Laurenz Vogel took its place, completed in 1843 and consecrated in 1846. St. Peter und Paul wasn’t content to remain static. In 1904, Florus Scheel adorned its interior with neogothic flourishes. These were later removed during renovations in the late 1940s. However, a treasure remained: Kaspar Kögler’s ceiling painting from 1863, a testament to the church’s layered past. Even hidden behind a curtain, Martin Häusle’s frescoes in the choir add to the rich tapestry of art within St. Peter und Paul. More recently, between 1986 and 1988, local artist Georg Malin left his mark, giving the interior a unified, modern feel. His touch extends to the Carrara marble altar, baptismal font, and ambo. Look closely, and you’ll discover older treasures. A Pietà from 1470/80 and a Gothic crucifix from around 1520 stand as silent witnesses to centuries of devotion. The church also boasts a modern organ, installed in 1974 by Mathis Orgelbau, filling the space with vibrant music. Listen carefully. Can you hear the harmonious chimes of the six bells in the tower? Two of these bells, cast in 1929 by Grassmayr in Innsbruck, join four older siblings. Cast by the same foundry in Feldkirch in 1857 and 1860, they represent the enduring voice of St. Peter und Paul.