Cathedral of Brixen

Architectural history

Building of the Cathedral continued to evolve since it was first constructed in the 10th century. When in 1174 fire caused significant damage to the original building, it was first transformed into a Roman basilica, which was in turn rebuilt in Gothic style after the Great Fire of 1444. Minor modifications followed in the course of the next centuries but the greatest changes date back to massive restoration work completed in 1754. These alterations had however caused a heated debate among canons of the clergy: while one faction stood up for a Baroque-style cathedral, some influential clergymen were enthusiastic Rococo advocates. The quarrel ended with a compromise, which is why different building styles converge in the present building. The narthex in front of the main entrance, conceived by Jakob Pirchstaller in classicist style, was added between 1785 and 1790. The patron saints of the diocese Kassian, Ingenuin and Albuin sit enthroned; in the alcove above a replica of the Reichl Madonna and Child looks down at Cathedral Square from between the two church towers.

Interior

The interior of the cathedral boasts some fine sights, above all the high altar crafted from 30 different types of polished marble, the impressive nine marble side altars, the unique organs and the dazzling ceiling frescoes by Paul Troger. The most famous Tyrolean artist of the Baroque period created the 200 square-metre fresco between 1748 and 1750. It has since become a main work of art of its period in the German-speaking area. The portrayed scenes include the Assumption of Mary above the altar, a portrait of Saint Kassian as scholar and messenger of faith in the transept, a choir of angels in the organ loft as well as the famous Adoration of the Lamb in the nave, which is representative of the diocese and the city of Brixen itself.

Interesting details

Paul Troger’s self-confidence as an upcoming artist was notorious during his lifetime: he strictly refused to hand over sketches of the frescoes to the bishop and the Cathedral board before being given a written contract. The frescoes were significantly altered by Austrian restorer von Felsburg in the late 19th century, who added gilded and coloured stucco work fashionable at the time. Since Brixen had become the diocesan town when the seat of the bishop was moved from the nearby convent of Säben in 990, bishops have been buried within the Cathedral. However, the building work of 1745-54 saw the loss of many of the older graves. It was the contemporary scholar and historian Joseph Resch who succeeded in rescuing a large number of medieval tombstones, which can be found around the Cathedral area today. Since its latest restoration period bishops have found their resting place in the transept, where inscriptions have been placed in the marble floor.

08.05.2018