Sankt Peter in Holz: Teurnia and Medieval Church Art

The archaeological city of Teurnia is located in Sankt Peter in Holz. The parish church of St. Peter in Holz is another historical highlight. This gives you two distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: the history of the Roman and Late Antique city, and medieval architecture and painting. The details below can help you decide which theme interests you most.

Teurnia: City History, Museum and Archaeological Sites

In the 5th and 6th centuries AD, Teurnia was the fortified capital of the province of Noricum and a bishop's see. The bishop's church survives in the form of imposing ruins. The cemetery church has a mosaic floor dating from around 500 AD. Together, these remains reveal different aspects of the Late Antique city: its political importance, its ecclesiastical function and its surviving works of art.

The Teurnia Roman Museum displays marble sculptures, inscriptions, jewellery, weapons and coins relating to Roman and Celtic society, everyday life and art. The collection therefore appeals to a range of interests, from sculptures and written records to objects from different areas of life. The museum also offers workshops on Roman jewellery, mosaic drawing and junior archaeology. As the availability of individual activities may change, it is advisable to check which workshops are currently taking place before your visit.

The Holzer Berg also has distinct archaeological features. Near Teurnia, it is a hill that slopes down on all sides and has a water source. At the western access point, the Late Antique fortification wall can be seen as an earthen mound more than two metres high. A legion trail across the Holzer Berg leads to the individual archaeological sites of Teurnia. In Teurnia's open-air museum, a residential building in its final construction phase covers an area of about 340 square metres. The southern side chapel of Teurnia's early Christian cemetery church is covered by a protective structure.

The forum and bath complex offer further insights into city life: Teurnia's forum was the Roman marketplace. The bath complex included rooms that were largely equipped with hypocausts, or underfloor heating. A building inscription from Sankt Peter in Holz refers to a temple dedicated to the Celtic healing god Grannus, whom the Romans equated with Apollo. The marketplace, bath complex and temple reference thus represent different aspects of the ancient city.

Medieval Art in the Parish Church of St. Peter in Holz

The parish church of St. Peter in Holz was first mentioned in a document around 1060/1070; the Gothic building dates from around 1400. The west façade features a depiction of St Christopher from the early 15th century. The frescoes above the entrance date from around 1430. Significant medieval wall paintings were uncovered inside in 1970. They depict the Passion of Christ, the Resurrection of the Blessed, their procession to the Heavenly Castle, and fragments of the legend of Saint Dorothea. The subjects therefore range from the Passion and Resurrection scenes to a saint's legend.

This gives you two different historical themes to consider when planning your trip: Teurnia offers a glimpse into the history of the Roman and Late Antique city, while the parish church combines architectural history with medieval art. If you are looking for a hotel in Sankt Peter in Holz, these themes can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay.

For the general travel overview: Lendorf.