Pfarrkirche hl. Georg, Satteins

The parish church of Satteins stands in the village of Satteins in the Feldkirch district of Vorarlberg. It is a large classical church dedicated to Saint George and protected as a historic monument. The present building dates from 1822 to 1824, though earlier mentions go back to 850 and a parish since 1426. The church is worth visiting for its clear classical lines and rich interior decoration. The north-facing façade has a central tower with pilasters, a pediment and a statue of Saint George. Inside, the three-bay nave is covered by a flat barrel vault on broad ribs, while the chancel has a matching vault and a rounded niche for the altar. The frescoes were painted between 1884 and 1886 by Johann Kärle and Emanuel Walch, showing scenes from the life of Christ and the Old and New Testaments. A visitor finds a spacious nave with a double gallery supported by pairs of columns. The walls carry further paintings by Martin Häusle, including the Agony in the Garden, the Emmaus disciples and the Last Supper. The chancel shows the Annunciation and shepherds’ adoration on one side and the building of a house on the other. The overall effect is one of calm classical order combined with lively narrative art.