Evangelische Christuskirche Kitzbühel

The Evangelische Christuskirche Kitzbühel is a masterpiece of modern architecture, designed by one of the most influential Austrian architects of the 20th century, Clemens Holzmeister. Holzmeister, who was also a professor and a politician, was known for his diverse and innovative works, ranging from public buildings and monuments to churches and mosques. He was influenced by various architectural styles and movements, such as expressionism, functionalism, and regionalism. He also had a keen sense of aesthetics and symbolism, as well as a respect for the natural and cultural environment.

The Evangelische Christuskirche Kitzbühel reflects Holzmeister’s style and philosophy, as well as his personal connection to the town. Holzmeister, who was born in Fulpmes, a village near Innsbruck, spent many summers in Kitzbühel as a child and a young man. He was familiar with the landscape and the traditions of the region, and he wanted to create a church that would fit in and stand out at the same time. He chose a simple and elegant design, using local materials and techniques, such as wood, stone, and copper. He also incorporated elements of the Tyrolean vernacular architecture, such as the steep roof, the gable, and the balcony. He gave the church a distinctive shape, resembling a tent or a ship, symbolizing the pilgrimage and the voyage of the faithful. He also oriented the church towards the east, the direction of the rising sun and the resurrection of Christ.

The church has many notable features that make it a unique and impressive building. Some of the most prominent features are:

• The exterior design: The church has a rectangular plan, with a slightly curved roof that slopes down from the front to the back. The roof is covered with copper tiles, which give the church a golden glow in the sunlight. The front facade has a large triangular window, which fills the interior with natural light and offers a panoramic view of the town and the mountains. The side walls have smaller rectangular windows, which create a rhythmic pattern and a contrast between light and shadow. The back wall has a cross-shaped window, which illuminates the altar and the choir. The entrance is located on the left side of the church, under a projecting balcony that serves as a shelter and a meeting place. The entrance door has a bronze relief, depicting the scene of the Last Supper, created by the sculptor Josef Thorak.
• The interior design: The interior of the church is spacious and simple, with a minimalist and functional decor. The walls are painted white, creating a sense of purity and clarity. The floor is made of stone, creating a sense of solidity and durability. The ceiling is made of wood, creating a sense of warmth and coziness. The ceiling also has exposed beams, which showcase the craftsmanship and the structure of the building. The church has a single nave, with a capacity of 225 seats, arranged in rows facing the altar. The seats are made of wood, with cushions and hymn books. The altar is located at the end of the nave, on a raised platform. The altar is made of wood, with a simple cloth and a cross. Behind the altar, there is a choir loft, with an organ and a piano. The organ was built by the organ builder, Johann Pirchner, and has 18 registers and 1,200 pipes. The church also has a sacristy, a vestry, and a baptismal font, located on the right side of the nave.
• The symbolic elements: The church has many symbolic elements that express the faith and the identity of the Protestant community in Kitzbühel. Some of the most significant elements are:
  • The name of the church: The church is named after Christ, the central figure of Christianity and the source of salvation. The name also reflects the ecumenical spirit of the church, which welcomes people of all denominations and backgrounds.
  • The shape of the church: The church has a shape that resembles a tent or a ship, symbolizing the pilgrimage and the voyage of the faithful. The shape also evokes the biblical stories of the Exodus and the Ark of Noah, as well as the history of the Protestant community in Kitzbühel, who endured hardship and oppression, but also found refuge and freedom.
  • The window of the church: The window of the church has a triangular shape, symbolizing the Trinity, the doctrine of the three persons of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The window also represents the mountain, the symbol of the alpine region and the natural beauty of Kitzbühel. The window also suggests the eye, the symbol of the vision and the insight of the church.
  • The cross of the church: The cross of the church is the most prominent and universal symbol of Christianity, representing the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ. The cross also signifies the suffering and the hope of the church, as well as the commitment and the service of the church.