Parish Church Graz-Graben

The Grabenkirche, also known as the Parish Church Graz-Graben or the Church of St. John the Baptist Geidorf, is a Roman Catholic church located in the Geidorf district of Graz, specifically in the third district.The Grabenkirche is a part of the Capuchin branch known as the Grabenkloster. It is dedicated to St. John the Baptist.The church is known as the parish church of the Graz-Graben parish, located in the Graz-North deanery of the Graz City Church.

Since 1294, the region surrounding the Graben Church has been referred to as “Am Graben” or Grabenvorstadt, in honor of the lords of Graben.Besides the Grabenkirche, there was another church called the Antoniuskirche. This second church was located on Paulustorgasse, which is now the site of the Folklore Museum.In order to expand pastoral care, a new monastery called the Moat Monastery was founded in the rapidly growing suburb. This new monastery was established as an addition to the older convent.

Therefore, a church was built without a tower for this purpose, and it was consecrated in 1652.In addition to their other endeavors, the Capuchins established a school and provided care for numerous individuals afflicted by the plague during those challenging years.As part of the Josephine reforms, the monastery was closed in 1786. Following the expulsion of the monks, a parish was established in its place.The first pastor was Ludwig Jakomini, who happened to be the brother of the mayor of Graz at that time.The Graz-Nord pastoral care center, along with the Salvatorkirche, was a branch of the Graben parish starting from 1969. However, during the Catholic Day in 1981, the Salvator parish gained independence.

In 2007, the parish, which had previously shared a pastor with Salvator for a few years, welcomed a new pastor, Mag. Markus Madl, who uses a wheelchair.The vicarage underwent significant renovations from 2007 to 2008 in order to make it wheelchair accessible.

The furnishings of the Grabenkirche were sourced from different churches.The high altar is originally from the Franciscan Church, which was initially located in the deserted Carmelite Church on Andreas-Hofer-Platz.The altarpiece, which depicts John the Baptist, is surrounded by Saints Peter and Paul.The side altars, which were originally located in the Mariahilferkirche, portray Saint John of Nepomuk on the right and Saint Joseph of Copertino.The tabernacle, adorned with intricate tendrils, is the sole remaining artifact from the demolished Georgskirche in Murvorstadt.The pews originate from the former Carmelite Church located on Andreas-Hofer-Platz.

Hans Adam Weissenkircher, a renowned baroque painter from Styria, is known for his masterpiece, the “Annunciation to Mary.” Originally displayed in the Stiegenkirche, this significant work was later relocated to the Grabenkirche in 1996, where it now adorns one of the side walls.

The organ in the church was originally from the parish church of St. Andrä.Around 1885/86, the previous organ was replaced by a new one from the Salzburg company Mauracher. The new organ boasted twelve stops.The Lower Austrian company Allgäuer was given the task of constructing a new organ with 23 stops in 1995. The organ was officially inaugurated on July 5, 1998.The organ that was previously used arrived at the parish church of Ranten.