Description of the attraction
St. Nicholas Church is located in the ski resort of Westendorf, in the federal state of Tyrol.
The first mention of this building dates back to 1320, and at that time there was a small Gothic chapel on this site, later greatly enlarged in size in 1500. However, only the bearing walls have survived from the old building, and then only partially, since in 1630 a fire broke out in the city, which destroyed almost the entire building. It is believed that earlier the church looked a little different - the ceilings were even lower, the walls were thicker, and the bell tower was higher and crowned with a pointed long spire typical of that era. However, the modern version of the Church of St. Nicholas is made in a different way, in its appearance there are visible features of the next architectural style - Baroque. The work on the reconstruction of the temple was carried out in 1735, but they did not give the desired result, and therefore in 1771-1775 the church was rebuilt, this time completely executed in the Baroque style.
The building itself is painted a deep yellow color and is distinguished by small lanceolate windows and a lean-to dark roof. One apse, where the side chapel is now located, stands out from the entire building. The church also has a low bell tower topped with an onion-shaped dome, which is widespread in Austria and southern Germany.
The interior design of the church is designed in a strict baroque style. Even the main altar of the temple does not differ in special luxury or pretentiousness. A striking detail of the interior of the church is the painting of its walls and dome, made by local artist Matthias Kirchner at the end of the 18th century. Church bells were cast after World War II - in 1947.
The church itself has undergone planned restoration work several times, including already in the 21st century. Now the church of St. Nicholas in Westendorf is recognized as a historical monument and is under state protection.
