St. Josef Kirche (Church of Saint Josef), Graz
The Church of Saint Josef in Graz is a significant Catholic parish church renowned for its impressive architecture and historical importance. Situated in the Jakomini district, the church is dedicated to Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ, and serves as the main church of the Graz-Saint Josef parish within the Graz-Süd deanery.
The land for the church was acquired by Franz Schuler in 1898, but the construction faced bureaucratic challenges before officially beginning on May 14, 1903. The foundation stone, consecrated by Pope Leo XIII from the Roman catacombs, was laid on October 11 of the same year. The construction journey marked various milestones, including the installation of the tower cross and the completion of the interior, culminating in the church's inauguration on May 9, 1908.
Saint Josef's Church is known as a jubilee church, commemorating three important anniversaries: the 60th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's priesthood, the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph's reign, and the 300th anniversary of the restoration of Catholicism in Styria. The establishment of the parish on July 1, 1908, alongside the mother parish of Graz-Münzgraben (Fatima Church), is a significant moment in its history.
Architecturally, the church is a masterpiece of the Florentine Renaissance style, designed by Hans Pascher. It features three naves and a separate, vaulted choir, representing the last historicist sacred building in Graz. The highlight of the interior is the high altar in the apse, adorned with a portrait of Saint Joseph by Josef Kastner the Younger, created between 1903 and 1908. This golden-framed depiction shows Saint Joseph holding baby Jesus, encircled by angels and worshippers, including Prince-Bishop Leopold Schuster, representing the church's essence and history.
The land for the church was acquired by Franz Schuler in 1898, but the construction faced bureaucratic challenges before officially beginning on May 14, 1903. The foundation stone, consecrated by Pope Leo XIII from the Roman catacombs, was laid on October 11 of the same year. The construction journey marked various milestones, including the installation of the tower cross and the completion of the interior, culminating in the church's inauguration on May 9, 1908.
Saint Josef's Church is known as a jubilee church, commemorating three important anniversaries: the 60th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's priesthood, the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph's reign, and the 300th anniversary of the restoration of Catholicism in Styria. The establishment of the parish on July 1, 1908, alongside the mother parish of Graz-Münzgraben (Fatima Church), is a significant moment in its history.
Architecturally, the church is a masterpiece of the Florentine Renaissance style, designed by Hans Pascher. It features three naves and a separate, vaulted choir, representing the last historicist sacred building in Graz. The highlight of the interior is the high altar in the apse, adorned with a portrait of Saint Joseph by Josef Kastner the Younger, created between 1903 and 1908. This golden-framed depiction shows Saint Joseph holding baby Jesus, encircled by angels and worshippers, including Prince-Bishop Leopold Schuster, representing the church's essence and history.
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St. Josef Kirche (Church of Saint Josef) on Map
Sight Name: St. Josef Kirche (Church of Saint Josef)
Sight Location: Graz, Austria (See walking tours in Graz)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Graz, Austria (See walking tours in Graz)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Graz, Austria
Create Your Own Walk in Graz
Creating your own self-guided walk in Graz is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Graz Introduction Walking Tour
There were settlements in the Graz area as early as the end of the Copper Age. However, Graz, as Graz, did not truly emerge until the 12th century. The Babenberg dukes swapped hegemony over the area until Otakar III built the Hauptplatz, the main square of the city in 1160.
Otakar was one of the Babenberg dukes. Under Babenberg rule Graz developed into an important commercial center. By 1280... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Otakar was one of the Babenberg dukes. Under Babenberg rule Graz developed into an important commercial center. By 1280... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Graz's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
One of the most impressive things about Graz is its architecture. Indeed, the atmospheric Medieval center of the city, the largest in Europe, abounds in architectural marvels – opulent historic buildings evoking the grandeur and glory of Austria’s Imperial past.
Influenced by the centuries-long presence of the Habsburgs and the cultural and artistic role played by the country's... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Influenced by the centuries-long presence of the Habsburgs and the cultural and artistic role played by the country's... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles