
St Andrä Parish Church
Step into centuries of history at St. Andrä Parish Church, Lienz's oldest sacred site, featuring ancient frescoes and historical tombs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasantly cool inside

St Andrä Parish Church
Best Time
Pleasantly cool inside

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into centuries of history at St. Andrä Parish Church, Lienz's oldest sacred site, featuring ancient frescoes and historical tombs.
"Touching the walls, you immediately sense the history and centuries this place of worship has experienced."

Feel the History
Touch the ancient walls to sense centuries of history. It's a truly moving experience. :handpointingup:
Escape the Heat
Enjoy the natural coolness inside during summer. A perfect respite from the heat. :snowflake:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expulsion from Paradise Frescoes
Interior
Marvel at ancient frescoes dating back to 1300, depicting a pivotal biblical scene with striking detail.

Tombs of Counts and Nobles
Interior
Pay respects at the final resting place of historical figures like Leonhard von Görz, adding a layer of historical gravitas.

Albin Egger-Lienz Memorial Chapel
Exterior
Explore the unique memorial chapel featuring the only frescoes ever painted by the renowned artist Albin Egger-Lienz.

Gothic Bas-Relief
Interior
Admire a marvelous Gothic bas-relief of the Madonna and Child with Saint Anne, a stunning piece of art from 1515.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
Cool Sanctuary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Feel the History
Touch the ancient walls to sense centuries of history. It's a truly moving experience. :handpointingup:
Escape the Heat
Enjoy the natural coolness inside during summer. A perfect respite from the heat. :snowflake:
Discover Hidden Art
Look for unique frescoes and art, including the works of Albin Egger-Lienz. :art:
Quiet Contemplation
Experience a deeply spiritual and peaceful atmosphere. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Feel the History
Touch the ancient walls to sense centuries of history. It's a truly moving experience. :handpointingup:
Escape the Heat
Enjoy the natural coolness inside during summer. A perfect respite from the heat. :snowflake:
Discover Hidden Art
Look for unique frescoes and art, including the works of Albin Egger-Lienz. :art:
Quiet Contemplation
Experience a deeply spiritual and peaceful atmosphere. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Andrä Parish Church for its profound sense of history and deeply moving spiritual atmosphere. The cool interior during summer is a significant plus, and the ancient frescoes and historical tombs are highlighted as particularly impressive. Some may find it a quiet, contemplative experience rather than a bustling attraction.
"An incredibly impressive and very old church 🙏✨. Just by touching the walls, you immediately sense the history and the centuries that this place of worship has experienced 🕰️. It's particularly touching that the last Counts of Lienz found their final resting place here – this lends the place a very special dignity.
The interior of the church is simply beautiful 😍: very solemn, inspiring, and full of a spiritual atmosphere that moves you deeply 💫. Every glance upwards or at the ornate details fills you with awe and inner peace. Another great advantage: In summer, it's pleasantly cool inside 🌿❄️, which makes the visit even more relaxing and enjoyable.
A place you absolutely have to see and experience when you're in Lienz! 🌟"
Anna Fominska
"PARISH CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW
Thanks to archaeological excavations, we now know that a sacred building existed on this site as early as the 5th century—from which the priests' bench with remains from the Roman era was uncovered. The Church of St. Andrew was first mentioned in documents in the 10th century.
The construction was supported by the Patriarch of Aquileia, and three further expansions were carried out in the following centuries.
Frescoes: The Expulsion from Paradise
Inside, we find elements from different periods. The oldest frescoes date back to 1300 and depict the Expulsion from Paradise. There are also frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries. The most recent depictions, dating back to 1761, show St. Andrew as the intercessor of the city of Lienz and bearer of the Cross.
Also noteworthy is the 1618 organ, built by the Passau master Andreas Butz. Fifty percent of the pipes still date back to the construction period.
Historically significant are the tombs of the last Count of Gorizia, Leonhard von Görz, and of Michael von Wolkenstein and his wife Barbara von Thun.
The unique frescoes by the painter Albin Egger-Lienz
The memorial chapel outside the parish church is not only a memorial to the fallen, but—at his express request—the final resting place of Albin Egger-Lienz. The frescoes inside the memorial chapel were the only ones he ever painted."
kalloso
"This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful churches in Lienz: located on a hill, it preserves valuable works of art, including several frescoes dating back to the late 1400s, such as the Adoration of the Magi (1480), a marvelous Gothic bas-relief depicting the Madonna and Child with Saint Anne (1515), and a valuable organ said to be the oldest in Tyrol.
Also noteworthy are the two tombstones in red Salzburg marble.
A visit is highly recommended."
Andrea Macherelli Bianchini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located about 1 km from the central Hauptplatz, on the other bank of the Isel River. It's a pleasant walk, or you can consider a short taxi ride. It's also situated near the cemetery, just outside the main city center.
While specific parking details aren't widely mentioned, its location near the cemetery suggests some parking might be available in that vicinity. It's best to check local signage upon arrival or consider walking from the city center.
Given its proximity to the city center and cemetery, local bus routes might serve the area. It's advisable to check local Lienz public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the church is generally free, as it is a place of worship. However, donations are often appreciated to help with the upkeep of this historic site.
Specific opening hours can vary, but churches are typically open during daylight hours for visitors. It's recommended to visit during the day to fully appreciate the interior and artwork.
The memorial chapel is usually accessible as part of the church grounds. While no specific fee is mentioned, donations are always welcome to support the preservation of these significant artworks.
Visitors are generally welcome to explore the church outside of scheduled service times. If a service is in progress, it's respectful to observe quietly or visit at another time.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the ancient frescoes, particularly the 'Expulsion from Paradise' from 1300. Also, look for the tombs of historical figures like Leonhard von Görz and the Gothic bas-relief of the Madonna and Child with Saint Anne.
Yes, visitors frequently mention that the church remains pleasantly cool inside during the summer months, offering a welcome escape from the heat.
This is the oldest church in Lienz, with evidence of a sacred building on site from the 5th century. It was first documented in the 10th century and has undergone several expansions, housing significant historical tombs and art.
The small cemetery adjacent to the church is noted for its unusual frescoes decorating the back of the tombs, adding a curious artistic element to the site.
The church features frescoes from various periods, including the 13th, 14th, and late 15th centuries, as well as a 1761 depiction of St. Andrew. You'll also find a Gothic bas-relief and the unique frescoes in the memorial chapel.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always best to be discreet and respectful, especially during services. Avoid using flash, as it can damage delicate artworks and disturb the atmosphere.
Focus on capturing the intricate details of the frescoes, the Gothic bas-relief, and the historical tombs. The play of light and shadow within the ancient architecture can also create dramatic shots.
The church's location on a hill offers picturesque views. The exterior architecture itself, especially the memorial chapel, is also worth photographing. The nearby cemetery with its unique tomb decorations can also be a subject.
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