Unsere Liebe Frau Unbefleckte Empfängnis, Schlins

The parish church of Schlins stands in the heart of the village of Schlins in Vorarlberg. It is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The building has been protected as a historic monument since the 19th century. The church is worth visiting for its long history and fine art. The first church on this site was mentioned in 821, and the present baroque building was consecrated in 1699. It has been carefully restored several times, most recently in 1963. The church also holds important works by local artists, including frescoes by Johann Kärle from 1889 and sculptures by Albert Rauch. Inside, the church has a broad nave with a barrel vault and deep side chapels. The high altar area is framed by a richly decorated arch. The walls carry frescoes showing scenes from the life of the Virgin. The organ, built in 1804, still plays during services. Outside, the churchyard contains an early 20th-century mortuary chapel with striking stained glass.