Hospital Church of the Holy Spirit

Hospital Church of the Holy Spirit, is a Roman Catholic Church that stands out for its baroque architecture and rich history. The church is located on Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the main street of the city, and is easily accessible by public transport or on foot.

The church was originally built in the 13th century as a chapel for the hospital of the Holy Spirit, which was founded by the Teutonic Order. The hospital served as a place of care for the poor, the sick, and the pilgrims. The chapel was enlarged and renovated several times over the centuries, until it reached its current form in the early 18th century, when it was transformed into a baroque masterpiece by the architect Johann Martin Gumpp the Younger.

The exterior of the church is characterized by its two towers, which were added in 1901, and its two portals, which feature intricately carved doors. The main portal, on the west side, depicts scenes from the life of Jesus, while the side portal, on the south side, shows scenes from the life of Mary. The interior of the church is distinguished by its opulent stucco decorations, which cover the walls and the ceiling. The frescoes, which depict biblical and historical scenes, were repainted by Hans Andre in 1962, following bomb damage during World War II.

The most striking element of the interior is the baroque high altar, which was created by Cristoforo Benedetti in 1705. The altar features the altarpiece titled “Mission des hl. mind.”, which shows the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles and the Virgin Mary on Pentecost. The altar also displays statues of saints and angels, as well as a relic of the True Cross. The side altars were created by Michael Stippler, and feature paintings and sculptures of various saints and religious figures. On the left side altar, there is a crucifix dating back to the 16th century, which is venerated by the faithful. On the right side altar, there is a painting by Ulrich Glantschnigg, created around 1709, which depicts Joachim and Anna with their daughter Maria, the mother of Jesus.

The pulpit, which was crafted by Benedikt Fries, dates back to 1706. The pulpit is decorated with stucco and paintings, and features a canopy supported by four angels. The equipment featuring bronze sculptures, such as door handles, a communion bench, and an ambo, was created by the talented goldsmith and sculptor Michael Norz. The tabernacle, which was created by Hans Kölblinger in 1962, serves as a symbolic representation of the dwelling place of God, resembling a tent. The tabernacle is adorned with twelve carnelians, which represent the twelve apostles.

The church also boasts a remarkable musical heritage, as it houses a mechanical slider chest organ, which was built by Johann Georg Gröber in 1846. The organ has 25 registers and is considered one of the finest examples of Tyrolean organ building. The organ is regularly played during liturgical celebrations and concerts, and attracts many organ enthusiasts and music lovers. The church also has three bells, which originated from the Jesuit church and were transferred to the hospital church in 1901 when its towers were being built. The large bell is named “Löffler-Glocke”, and dates back to 1579. It has a weight of 600 kg, and produces a sound at pitch g 1. The middle bell is known as the “St. Pirminius bell”, and weighs approximately 320 kg. It produces a strike sound at pitch h1. The small bell is called the “St. Ignatius von Loyola bell”, and weighs 145 kg. It produces a sound when struck at pitch dis2.

Since 2018, the hospital church has been known as the “City Church” and is led by Episcopal Vicar Msgr. Jakob Bürgler. It is appropriately named the “Church in the Heart of the City”, as it aims to create an inviting and hospitable environment that encourages new forms of prayer, culture, music, and art. It aims to provide opportunities for people of our time to explore and engage with faith, and to serve as a welcoming space for individuals seeking a connection with faith and the church, providing pastoral care for those who may be passing through. The church offers various activities and events, such as guided tours, meditation, lectures, exhibitions, concerts, and festivals, that appeal to a wide range of audiences and interests. The church is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and welcomes visitors of all backgrounds and beliefs.

The Hospital Church of the Holy Spirit is a baroque gem that reflects the history, culture, and spirituality of Innsbruck. It is a place of beauty, worship, and community, and a must-see for anyone who visits the city.