Sniffing about the deal

Graz: Church sale at a bargain price?

The sale of the Stiegenkirche in Graz is causing resentment within the church.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Wulf Scherbichler)

The sale of the famous Stiegenkirche church in the Styrian capital is causing debate in church circles: Has a noble family secured the house of worship as a bargain? The "Krone" knows the background.

Negotiations dragged on for years, the "Krone" reported several times - now the sale has been finalized: the diocese of Graz-Seckau has announced that the famous Stiegenkirche in Graz's Sporgasse has been sold. "The baroque church will become private property, but will remain a consecrated place and can be used for church celebrations on selected days," according to the website. Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl speaks of "economic relief for the diocese".