Pfarrkirche Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn

The parish church of Klaus stands in the centre of the village of Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn in Upper Austria. It forms a single complex with the presbytery, both set among the houses of the community. The church is dedicated to the memory of the sorrows of the Virgin Mary and has been protected as a historic monument since the 20th century. The present building began as a small late-baroque chapel built between 1727 and 1731. In 1982 the parish decided to enlarge the chapel into a full parish church. Architect Gottfried Nobl was commissioned to plan the work, which was completed the following year. Diözesanbischof Maximilian Aichern consecrated the church in 1983. The old Bergkirche now serves mainly for weddings and funerals. The exterior keeps the late-baroque central plan and curved north façade of the chapel, topped by a small onion-domed bell tower. Inside, a high pine ceiling and olive-green pews give a bright, modern feel. The former high-altar painting, a Pietà by Paul Troger from the early 18th century, remains in place. Two baroque angels from the same period flank the sanctuary. The altar, tabernacle shrine and lectern were designed by Rudolf Kolbitsch in simple modern style, while the Stations of the Cross were created in the glass workshop at Schlierbach.