Stadtpfarrkirche Stockerau

The parish church in Stockerau stands in the centre of the town on Kirchenplatz, a quiet square surrounded by low buildings. It is dedicated to Saint Stephen and has been protected as a listed monument for many years. The churchyard holds the grave of Saint Coloman, who was martyred here in 1012 before his relics were moved to Melk. The church’s history begins with Coloman’s burial, followed by the parish’s foundation around 1064 under Bishop Berenger. After fires and Hussite raids, the present building rose between 1777 and 1778 under master builder Peter Mollner. Its 88-metre tower, added in the 1720s by Franz Jänggl, remains the tallest in Lower Austria. Inside, the high altar fills the apse with a painting by Johann Meidinger showing Saint Stephen’s martyrdom. The organ by Johann Kaufmann fills the nave with sound, while six bells still swing with ancient clappers. From the tower platform visitors look across the town and the surrounding plains.