Pfarrkirche Kefermarkt

Learn about the history of the Gothic parish church in Kefermarkt with its world-famous winged altar.

The church was built as a pilgrimage church to St Wolfgang around 1470. It was commissioned by Baron Christoph von Zelking, owner of the Weinberg estate. The church was consecrated in 1476 by Bishop Albert Schönhofer of Passau (year in the front arch). The high altar was also donated by Christoph von Zelking and created between 1490 and 1497 by an unknown master (Master of Kefermarkt).

The winged altar acquired its present form in the 17th century when the side altars, which were also Gothic, were cut down and replaced with Baroque altars. The painting on the altar of the Virgin Mary is by Martino Altomonte, while the painting on the altar of St Sebastian is by Quellinus (a pupil of Peter Paul Rubens).

In the 19th century, the damage caused by woodworm was so extensive that the work of art was restored by the sculptors Johann and Josef Rint between 1852 and 1855 under the direction of Adalbert Stifter. The altar was completely leached and damaged parts were replaced. The predella and tabernacle also date from this time. The woodworm was finally destroyed with poison gas in 1929.

For over 500 years, Kefermarkt parish church has been home to the world-famous late Gothic winged altar alongside its Baroque art treasures.

To this day, it is a place where people celebrate their faith.

The many Gothic and Baroque treasures and jewels of our church are explained and background information is provided during a guided tour of the church.
You can register for a guided tour with the parish or the parish office:
Parish office Mail: pfarre.kefermarkt@dioezese-linz.at Tel.: +43 (0)7947 6203
Parish office Mail: gemeinde@kefermarkt.ooe.gv.at Tel.: +43 (0 )7947 5910