Pfarrkirche Kumitz

The Catholic parish and pilgrimage church at Kumitz stands on a low hill north-west of Bad Mitterndorf in the Upper Styrian Salzkammergut. It is dedicated to the Sorrows of Mary and belongs to a group of three parishes that share pastoral care. The whole building is protected as a listed monument.

The present church replaced a small Calvary chapel built in 1717. Work began in 1766 under parish priest Matthias Strenberger and the nave and parts of the furnishings were finished by 1773. The tower was added between 1778 and 1779, and in 1782 Kumitz became an independent parish. Later restorations took place in 1849 and again between 1967 and 1969.

Inside, the almost square nave is covered by a flat barrel vault resting on sturdy wall pillars. The organ loft is narrower and lighter, while the single-bay choir is set back and ends in a semi-circular apse with side chapels. The former 1717 Calvary chapel now serves as the sacristy. The high altar, pulpit and tabernacle were carved and painted by Johann Fortschegger, and the whole ensemble was gilded in 1780. Sixteen baroque banners hang in the choir, each illustrating scenes from the Passion and the life of Mary.