Jubilee church

A defensive image from many centuries

The interior of the church bears witness to centuries of history. The frescoes and furnishings have been changed over the years.(Bild: Dieter Arbeiter)

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Berg im Drautal contains a number of treasures, including the "Most Beautiful Madonna" in Carinthia.

The parish church of Berg im Drautal, first mentioned in 1267, actually belonged to the Salzburg cathedral chapter. The late Romanesque church was converted into a fortified church in the 15th century and is surrounded by a defensive wall and a charnel house. While the appearance of the church changed in the course of the reconstruction, the choir remained in its original form. Finally, the church was transferred to the diocese of Gurk.

Centuries-old frescoes in the church 
Although the church dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary may be simple on the outside, the interior of the church bears witness to the past. In addition to the late Gothic star-ribbed vault in the nave, there are also numerous wall paintings from a bygone era. Some of the paintings from the 14th century were uncovered in the 1960s. In addition to the Coronation of Mary, there are portraits of the Kiss of Judas, the Flagellation, the Carrying of the Cross, the Adoration of the Magi and the Nativity.

The high altar of the parish church also bears witness to the history of the church. It was put together from older pieces. The stone Madonna in particular, dating from the 15th century, is considered the best example of a "Beautiful Madonna" in Carinthia and was probably created by an artist from Salzburg. The figure is flanked by statues of St. Anne and St. Joachim. The chancel of the church is dedicated to St. Michael. The frescoes in the chapel date back to 1428.