Kefermarkt winged altarpiece

The parish church in Kefermarkt is dedicated to St. Wolfgang. It houses a special treasure: the beautiful winged altar.

Another attraction near the parish church
On the upper floor of Café Stöckl, Oberer Markt 2, 4292 Kefermarkt, there is an exhibition space (not wheelchair accessible) featuring the current exhibition:

In Search of the Mystery of the Unknown Master
Gotikforum Kefermarkt, August 12 through the end of December 2026
Part 2: “Gothic Up Close” Digital Exhibition
Tour of the exhibition at Stöckl—voluntary donation of €2.00 per person
Guided tour at Stöckl (approx. 30 minutes): €3.00 per person
To register for guided tours: Tel. +43(0)7947 21243 Café Stöckl
https://kultur.kefermarkt.at/

The artist who produced the world-famous altarpiece remains unknown to this day. And it is unlikely that we will ever find out their identity. What is known, however, is that Adalbert Stifter rescued this cultural gem from certain deterioration. The winged altar took on its characteristic appearance during this period of restoration.

It is 13.40 metres tall, carved from limewood and takes the form of a monstrance. The altarpiece has been in the Kefermarkt parish church for over 500 years and even managed to survive the Lutheran Reformation. It was initially painted in bright colours but, in the course of the restoration led by Adalbert Stifter, every part was treated with saline solution and the remaining paint was removed. At that time, most sections of the altarpiece were taken from Kefermarkt to Linz on the horse-drawn railway line (Linz–Budweis) and restored there in the Rint workshop. This work lasted from 1852 to 1855 and cost 500 gulden. The church and the altarpiece were commissioned by Christoph von Zelking, owner of the Weinberg estate. The church was consecrated on 30 October 1476.