Filialkirche Maria am Bichl

The Filialkirche Maria am Bichl stands on a hill at the northern edge of the Lurnfeld valley, west of Feicht in Carinthia. First mentioned in 1390, the present late-Gothic building dates from the late 15th century and is protected as a listed monument. Its setting offers sweeping views across the valley and the surrounding hills. The church is worth visiting for its fine late-Gothic architecture and rich interior decoration. The three-bay nave leads to a two-bay choir with a five-sided end, all covered by ribbed vaults. The tower on the north side of the choir has twin-light windows and a bulbous dome. Inside, painted rib vaults show flowers, stars and rosettes, while the west gallery carries a painted angel’s head dated 1523 and 1630. Visitors find a network of ribbed vaults, pointed arches and sculpted keystones throughout the church. The high altar from the early 17th century frames a Madonna and Child, flanked by scenes of Pentecost and the Ascension. A blocked north door and a stepped buttress mark the exterior, while the west porch leads into the light-filled nave.