Franziskuskapelle in Arbing

The Franziskuskapelle stands on the Schlossberg above Arbing in Upper Austria, a private chapel built of dark grey concrete. It occupies a quiet spot near the parish church and the cemetery gate, forming a simple architectural pair with the old portal. The chapel has no roof, leaving the sky open to encourage contemplation of the heavens. This small space was created by Rafael Hintersteiner after a pilgrimage to Assisi. Completed in 2011 and dedicated by Bishop Maximilian Aichern, it serves the local people for prayer and occasional rites. Eleven years later a new bronze bell was added, forged in Passau and tuned to the parish church’s bells, ready to mark life’s passages. Inside, six square metres of black concrete walls enclose a plain room meant for silence. A single quote, ‘pax et bonum’, is set into the wall. Small niches hold candles or images, while a small bell at the entrance signals the end of reflection. The chapel’s stark design has won design prizes and grants, yet remains open to anyone seeking a moment of quiet.