Buildings & Architecture
Interesting witnesses to the history of Bischofshofen
The town of Bischofshofen is one of the oldest places of settlement in the Pongau. Excavations on the Götschenberg provide evidence of human habitation and copper mining as far back as 5,000 years ago. In the 8th century, Bischofshofen was first chronicled within the context of the founding of the Maximilianszelle monastery.
Numerous ancient structures attest to our rich history:
St. Maximilian's Parish Church
Very noteworthy and architecturally interesting sacred building with a Romanesque nucleus, a tower dating back to the 11th century, in the left transept a tomb from 1455, late-Gothic frescoes, baroque altars.
Kastenturm - 12th century
This tower is connected to the parish church, originally serving as a grain crib for the bishops of Chiemsee. Today's town hall is also built on to the tower, home of the town's administrative offices. The Museum am Kastenturm was opened in 1998.
Frauenkirche Church - first chronicled in 1359
This late-Gothic structure, along with the striking 62m steeple, is one of the town's most distinguishing landmarks. The interior of the church is of great art-historical value (tabernacle from 1680, frescoes from 1449).
St. George's Church
Romanesque chapel of the Lords of Pongowe dating from the 13th century. Today, the newly renovated Georgikirche serves as a memorial church, especially for fallen warriors.
Buchberg Church - first chronicled in 1370
The earliest elements of this church date back to the 12th century. The Romanesque building, with its Gothic choir, early-baroque high altar and valuable frescoes, stands in a splendid setting on the Buchberg, visible from far away.
Missionshaus St. Ruppert
Constructed in 1929 in neo-baroque style, the building is today home to a private high school. The neo-baroque house of worship is a popular setting in which to hold weddings and concerts.