Mittewald, Pfarrvikariatskirche unserer lieben Frau Maria Unbefleckte Empfängnis

The parish church of Mittewald stands in the centre of the village on the Drava river in the municipality of Assling, Lienz district, East Tyrol. It belongs to the deanery of Lienz within the diocese of Innsbruck and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The church and its adjoining cemetery are listed as historic monuments.

The present building was erected in 1957–58 to designs by architect Josef Menardi and consecrated in 1958. In 1965 the new parish of Mittewald was formed from parts of the parishes of Anras and Assling. The church forms part of a small ensemble that also includes the old church and the inn Zur alten Post, built in the traditional style of Pustertal inns. A covered walkway links the newer church with the older structure and the cemetery.

Inside, the church has a broad hall-like nave under a flat wooden ceiling with pilasters and rectangular windows. An organ gallery overlooks the space. Beyond the triumphal arch lies the slightly recessed choir. The tabernacle features enamel work by the Grießer firm, while the marble Madonna and the reliefs of the Stations of the Cross were carved by Hans Buchgschwenter. The exterior south-west tower rises to a tall tented roof, and the south-west corner of the façade bears Franz Walchegger’s Madonna of the Road, executed in metal by Hermann Pedit.