Fischerkirche Rust
Burgenland
The Fischerkirche in Rust, Burgenland, is a former Roman Catholic fortified church dedicated to Saints Pancras and Giles. Situated on a slight hill in the southwestern part of Rust's old town, the church is surrounded by a churchyard that once served as a cemetery and a defensive wall. Originally built in the 12th century on the remains of a Roman watchtower, the church evolved architecturally through the centuries, featuring Romanesque, Gothic, and early Baroque elements. Notably, frescoes dating from the late 13th and early 16th centuries were uncovered during 1950s restorations in the Pancras choir and the Marian chapel. The church's unique two-aisled nave lacks a central pillar, a rare architectural feature it shares with the Templar church of St-Raphaël in France. The Gothic bell tower was destroyed during the first Turkish siege in 1529, rebuilt in 1575, modified in 1719, and collapsed in 1879 without reconstruction. Inside, the high altar from 1642 depicts the Crucifixion and Resurrection, flanked by statues of its patron saints. The Marian chapel houses a 15th-century stone Pietà and a polychrome Gothic statue of Mary. The church also contains the oldest playable organ in Burgenland, built in 1705, with five registers and a purely mechanical action. Today, the Fischerkirche serves primarily as a museum and cultural venue, preserving its rich historical and artistic heritage.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the Fischerkirche during the warmer months when cultural events are often held. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to fully appreciate the church's art and history. The church is accessible by phone for inquiries. Discounts may be available for groups or seniors.
Interesting facts
- •The Fischerkirche is built on the remains of a Roman watchtower dating back to the 12th century.
- •It features frescoes from the late 13th and early 16th centuries uncovered during 1950s restoration works.
- •The church's two-aisled nave is unique in lacking a central pillar, a feature shared only with the Templar church of St-Raphaël in France.
- •The organ inside, dating from 1705, is the oldest playable organ in Burgenland.
- •The Gothic bell tower collapsed in 1879 and was never rebuilt.
History
The Fischerkirche originated in the 12th century on the site of a Roman watchtower, initially as a small Romanesque church.
In the late 13th century, the Marian chapel was added, sponsored by Queen Maria of Hungary.
Around 1400, the Romanesque apse was replaced by a Gothic choir with rib vaulting.
The church expanded further in the early 16th century, incorporating the Marian chapel and adding a sacristy in 1563 and an organ loft in 1570.
The Gothic tower was destroyed during the 1529 Turkish siege, rebuilt in 1575, altered in 1719, but collapsed in 1879 and was never reconstructed.
Place Guide
Pancras Choir and High Altar1642
The high altar in the Pancras choir is an early Baroque two-tiered frame structure dated 1642, featuring paintings of the Crucifixion and Resurrection and statues of Saints Pancras and Giles.
Marian ChapelLate 13th century
Added in the late 13th century, the chapel contains a 15th-century stone Pietà relocated here in 1962 and a mid-15th-century polychrome Gothic statue of Mary on a Tuscan column.
Historic Organ1705
Built in 1705 by an unknown maker, this organ is the oldest playable instrument in Burgenland, featuring five registers and a purely mechanical tracker action.
Contact
Phone: 02685 502
