Pfarrkirche Hermagor

The Pfarrkirche in Hermagor stands on the Stocksteinerwand, a raised site in the heart of the town. It is dedicated to the early Christian martyrs Hermagoras and Fortunatus. The first written record of the parish dates from 1169, though the present building grew from a 15th-century core. After damage by Turkish raiders in 1478 the church was repaired and later given a neo-Gothic exterior in 1904. External restoration in the early 1990s and internal work in 1998 have preserved its appearance. Inside, the church combines a wide hall with a late-Gothic choir ending in five sides. A notable feature is the Wolkensteiner chapel, attached to the south aisle and dating from about 1510. The nave’s ribbed vault is painted with colourful keystones and small figurative panels, while the choir vault shows a painted Christ head. The high altar, carved in 1749 by Johann Paterer, displays the patron saint flanked by Peter and Paul, with a crowning Coronation group above. The interior also holds a rich collection of furnishings. A large wooden figure of Saint Hermagoras by Franz Barwig the Elder stands at the rear wall. The pulpit, from about 1770, is a fine example of Rococo craftsmanship, its panels showing Christ giving the keys to Peter and the four Evangelists. Side altars include a Baroque image of Saint Nepomuk and a neogothic Madonna. Remaining fragments of medieval wall paintings, uncovered during restorations, add further interest.