Florianikirche

The Florianikirche is a charming Roman Catholic mountain church located in the Straßgang district of Graz, specifically in the 16th district.It is located on the Florianiberg, which is 527 meters above sea level.The mountains west of Graz have a high elevation.

The city of Graz is situated in the western part of Austria, and it is bordered by the beautiful Plabutsch-Buchkogel mountain range.The Bockkogel, which stands at an elevation of 539 meters above sea level, is located in the far southwest, beyond the boundaries of the municipality.The Webling district is located to the north, at the eastern foot of Straßgang. To the south, you will find Seiersberg, and to the southwest is Gedersberg, both of which are part of the municipality of Seiersberg-Pirka.The small Katzenbach river flows at the northern foot and provides irrigation for the Bad Straßgang area.

The church offers a pleasant vantage point overlooking the southern part of the city and the Grazer Feld. Although it is somewhat situated within the forest now, it still provides a beautiful view.There is a road called Florianibergstraße that runs from Straßgang to Gedersberg. From Gedersberg, you can take the Florianibergweg to reach the church.The Styrian Mariazellerweg, also known as the Austrian long-distance hiking trail 06, stretches towards the west, passing over the Bockkogel. Along the local hiking trail no. 2, you have the opportunity to hike up to the cemetery and the parish church of Straßgang, located at the base of the mountain. Alternatively, you can continue your hike towards Seiersberg.

The church dedicated to St. Florian was constructed in 1597, replacing a previous building that stood atop Floriani mountain.The donor of the church buildings in Graz was Archduchess Maria Anna of Bavaria, the wife of Archduke Karl II.In the effigy, she is portrayed giving instructions to the master builder, while her daughter is shown distributing money to the poor.The church gained significant recognition after a fire occurred in the first Sack, which is situated between the main square and the first Sacktor on today’s Sackstraße, in 1670. According to legend, the fire was believed to have been extinguished through the power of prayer to St. Florian. As a token of their gratitude, the citizens of Graz made a solemn promise to embark on an annual pilgrimage to the Florianiberg.The pilgrimage that takes place on Floriani Sunday, which falls on the first Sunday in May, continues to be celebrated as a vibrant folk festival to this day.

The stucco work created by the artist Antonio Sereni and the ceiling frescoes painted by Georg Adam Echter are widely recognized. These artworks depict fifteen scenes from the life of Saint Florian, a Roman soldier and Christian martyr.The high altar, created by Jakob Peyer in 1768 during the Rococo period, features a statue of the church patron. The statue depicts the patron wearing a Styrian ducal hat and armor, pouring water from the sky onto the sack fire.The side altars display various images of saints.