Parish Church of St. Hippolytus

The Roman Catholic Parish Church of St. Hippolytus is located in the district town of Zell am See in the Austrian state of Salzburg.The church, which is dedicated to Saint Hippolytus of Rome, has been classified as a Historical Monument.

During the renovation of the parish church of St. Hippolyt from 1972 to 1975, Roman spoils were discovered. These spoils were found at the northern crypt staircase and at the entrance to the sacristy. Among the findings was a transverse sculpted relief stone featuring two Celtic-Roman heads. This discovery suggests the possibility that a pre-Christian place of worship, possibly with grave stelae, may have already existed at this location.This is supported by various sources, including the decree of Pope Gregory I (590-604). According to this decree, relief stones were to be walled in as a symbol of victory over paganism in Christian churches.

During the renovation, the crypt was excavated and filled in again. The archaeological investigation of the crypt revealed that it is not only older than the early Gothic main apse, but also older than the High Romanesque nave.The presence of the early Carolingian patron saint of Hippolytus in Salzburg, along with the neighboring Marienkirche, which served as a church for the people and pilgrims, indicates that the Bavarian nobles had their own church. This church has its origins dating back to the establishment of the monastery in the latter half of the 8th century.

It is believed that during the mid-10th century, a church was constructed with a single nave, an elongated apse hall measuring approximately 8 by 32 meters. This church also included a crypt and additional rooms extending along its length.It is believed that the church in Zell am See was constructed during the 10th century, following the architectural style of the Carolingian-Ottonic period.A new building was constructed in the second third of the 12th century. It took the form of a pillar basilica without a tower.

The church displays the oldest architectural elements in the Pinzgau region.Therefore, the existing complex is Romanesque.The church is comprised of three naves and was previously adorned with a Gothic rib vault.In 1794, the stone vault in the main nave was removed and replaced with a shell vault. However, this shell vault was later replaced with a flat wooden ceiling in 1898.There are four steps that lead up to the high altar. Initially, the crypt below was filled in, but it was uncovered again during the renovation in the 1980s.

The gallery, with its magnificent parapet, is considered the jewel of the church and is also one of the most beautiful and valuable architectural monuments in Pinzgau.The gallery is supported by four pillars, each made of carefully chosen precious marble and featuring unique craftsmanship. These pillars hold up a beautiful filigree net vault that stretches across the gallery.The three pointed arches support numerous crabs and lead to pointed turrets adorned with finials. Between the arches, there are Gothic canopies featuring intricately carved figures of St. Hippolytus and Florian, dating back to 1520. The gallery parapet displays elegant tracery featuring four-clover rosettes and fish bubbles.The piece of work is identified by the number 1514.

The tower is a prominent feature that commands the old town of Zell am See.The exterior of the strong walls is adorned with ashlars of conglomerate, arranged in a pattern that spans five floors and is accentuated by Gothic friezes.The higher the friezes are, the larger they become.The tower stands at a height of 36 meters and features a gabled roof adorned with stepped gables.

From 1660 to 1670, the church underwent a significant transformation with the installation of a magnificent high altar in the noble Baroque style. However, this altar was later replaced in 1760 with a newer one.With the exception of a few decorative pieces, there is hardly anything left of the baroque furnishings. Only two large statues were brought to the Prielauer church.Today, on the high altar, there are two statues from 1480 placed next to the tabernacle. These statues depict St. Rupert and Virgil.

The side altar of the Maria Wald church houses a miraculous image. Unfortunately, the church was demolished in 1773 due to a devastating fire that occurred in 1770.The Madonna with a standing child was created around 1480 and is currently displayed in a neo-Gothic altar.The left aisle features a semicircular apse that houses a small altar dedicated to Saint Sebastian. This altar is adorned with a stunning stained glass window and is surrounded by several impressive tombstones. Notably, among these tombstones are those of Caspar Panichner, who served as a district magistrate during the 16th century.

During the renovation in 1898, the church underwent significant changes. All baroque works of art were carefully removed, making way for a new aesthetic. A flat wooden ceiling was installed, giving the church a different look and feel. Additionally, two neo-Gothic altars were added, featuring exquisite gilding and sculptures created by the talented Josef Bachlehner. These changes brought a fresh and updated atmosphere to the church in Hall in Tirol.During the Nazi era, the bells from 1904 were confiscated as a metal donation and melted down. However, in 1950, Archbishop Rohracher consecrated four new church bells.

The church underwent significant renovations from 1972 to 1975. Additionally, in 2012 and 2013, the impressive west tower was finally restored and renovated.