The Church of Sts. Primus and Felician, also known as Pfarrkirche St. Primus und Felician or St. Preimskirche, is located in Bad Gastein, a spa town in the Salzburg state of Austria. It stands prominently in the town center, overlooking the Gastein Valley in the Hohe Tauern National Park. The church's position on a slight elevation provides scenic views of the surrounding alpine landscape, including waterfalls and mountains, making it a focal point for both religious and tourist activities in this historic resort area. The site has been a place of worship since the early Middle Ages, integrating seamlessly with Bad Gastein's thermal springs and Belle Époque architecture.
The church is situated in the northern part of Bad Gastein, a
renowned spa and ski resort town in the Hohe Tauern National Park,
Salzburg state. It stands on the eastern side of the Gastein Valley,
with retaining walls supporting its position on a hillside, facing north
and overlooking the valley below. Bad Gastein itself is nestled at an
elevation of about 1,000 meters, surrounded by dramatic alpine
landscapes, thermal springs, and forested slopes, which contribute to
the church's scenic integration into the environment. The location
offers stunning views, particularly from nearby mountains, making it a
photogenic spot for visitors.
Bad Gastein experiences a humid
continental climate with alpine influences (Köppen: Dfb), characterized
by cold, snowy winters and mild, wet summers. Annual precipitation is
high at around 1,539 mm, with significant snowfall supporting winter
tourism. The time zone is Central European Time (UTC+1), shifting to
UTC+2 during daylight saving.
The history of the Church of Sts. Primus and Felician dates back to
the early Middle Ages, reflecting Bad Gastein's evolution from a mining
settlement to a renowned spa destination. The first documented mention
of a religious structure on the site appears in 1122, likely a simple
Romanesque chapel dedicated to the Roman martyrs Saints Primus and
Felician—brothers executed around 297 AD during the Diocletian
persecution for refusing to renounce Christianity. These saints, whose
relics were venerated across Europe, became patrons of the church,
symbolizing resilience in the face of the valley's harsh conditions,
including avalanches and floods.
By the 17th century, the church had
been elevated to a pastoral status in 1639, prompting intermittent
expansions between 1636 and 1639, with further works in 1659, 1673, and
1699, possibly to address damage from natural disasters common in the
alpine region. It was consecrated in 1706. A major reconstruction
occurred from 1720 to 1736 under architect Oswald Stueblemer (also
spelled Stüblemer or Stübler), resulting in a Baroque-style building
that served the community for over a century. However, by 1858,
structural deterioration led to its closure.
The current neo-Gothic
church was built between 1866 and 1875, with the foundation stone laid
in 1866 based on designs by district engineer Johann Pieschel and
construction overseen by Jakob Ceconi, a member of Salzburg's prominent
Ceconi architectural family. This rebuild coincided with Bad Gastein's
golden age as a spa town, attracting European aristocracy and
necessitating a grander ecclesiastical presence. The church was solemnly
consecrated in 1876 (some sources note 1878) and dedicated anew to the
titular saints. Post-construction, it featured an organ built in 1874 by
Matthäus Mauracher. Renovations followed in 1953–1954, including new
glass paintings by artist Josef Widmoser, and again in 1974 to preserve
its neo-Gothic integrity. The church survived the 20th century's
turbulent events, including World War II, without major damage and
continues as an active parish site.
The church is a prime example of neo-Gothic architecture, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and vertical emphasis that echoes medieval Gothic forms while incorporating 19th-century revival elements. Designed by Johann Pieschel, the exterior features a tall, slender spire on the southern tower facade, reaching approximately 82 meters, making it one of Austria's taller church structures. Built from local stone, the facade includes buttresses, cornices, and lancet tracery windows, with a chamfered pointed-arch portal at the entrance. The tower is divided into four floors with cornices and pointed-arch openings, topped by triangular gables and a pointed helmet. The building is a single-nave basilica with a choir under a gabled roof, supported by retaining walls due to its hillside location, and includes a two-storey sacristy extension to the northeast. This design harmonizes with Bad Gastein's alpine setting, blending functionality with aesthetic grandeur.
The interior is equally impressive, with a focus on neo-Gothic and baroque elements. The high altar, created by sculptor Jakob Adlhart in 1953, centers on a Gothic Madonna with halo from around 1490 (originally from the pilgrimage church of Maria Bühel), flanked by baroque console figures of Sts. Virgil and Rupert. Relief wings depict the martyrdom of Sts. Primus and Felician, including scenes like flagellation and discovery of a healing spring. The people's altar (1980, also by Adlhart) features a relief front. Side altars include a Man of Sorrows figure (c. 1710, attributed to Meinrad Guggenbichler) on the left and a St. Joseph console figure (early 18th century) on the right. Under the gallery is a baroque St. Judas Thaddeus figure from 1750, and a neo-Gothic crucifixion group adorns the choir. A 1846 copy painting in the tower hall illustrates the legend of Bad Gastein's origins. The pulpit and organ (built 1874 by Matthäus Mauracher) are neo-Gothic, with glass paintings from 1953 by Josef Widmoser.
As the parish church of Bad Gastein, it holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, serving as a cornerstone for the community and reflecting the region's religious heritage. Its dedication to Sts. Primus and Felician ties into broader Christian martyrdom traditions, and elements like the Gothic Madonna draw pilgrims. The church is well-preserved and offers a peaceful retreat amid the bustling resort town. For tourists, it's accessible year-round, with highlights including guided views from nearby mountains and integration into hikes or spa visits. No entry fee is typically required, though donations are appreciated. It's best visited in summer for milder weather or winter for a snowy alpine contrast.
Bad Gastein is reachable by train via the Tauern Railway, with the church a short 600-meter walk from the station. Road access is via the A10 Tauern Autobahn, and local buses serve the area. Salzburg Airport (SZG) is about 95 km away, with transfers available.