Pfarrkirche Kilb

The Pfarrkirche Kilb stands in the heart of Kilb, a village in Lower Austria’s Melk district. Built on a small rise, it overlooks the surrounding countryside from its walled terrace. The church is dedicated to Saints Simon and Judas and has been protected as a listed monument since the early 20th century. Its predecessor, first mentioned in 1080, was founded by Bishop Altmann of Passau. The present Gothic structure dates from the late 15th century, with later additions such as the tower from the early 16th century. The church’s design reflects its long history and changing needs. It is a unified pseudo-basilica with stepped choirs at the east end, giving the interior a sense of depth. Two side altars were added in 1476, followed by the high altar in 1486. In the 20th century, the building was restored both outside and inside between 1964 and 1969. The organ, built in 1908 by Max Jakob, still serves the parish today. Visitors approach through the old Kirchhofmauer, parts of which remain intact. The churchyard terrace offers views across Kilb’s rooftops and the surrounding landscape. Inside, the Gothic vaulting and the arrangement of altars show how the building has been adapted over centuries. The quiet square around the church, with its simple stonework and modest scale, invites a moment of reflection before moving on.