Pfarrkirche Sarleinsbach

History of the parish church of St Peter ad Vincula

A tour around the church gives us an insight into the history of the building. It can be assumed that a church was already built at the time Sarleinsbach was founded. No recognisable remains of it have survived. Sarleinsbach became its own parish in 1283. The first recognisable church probably also dates from the 13th century. Its foundations were found during restoration work in the nave. It probably also included today's church tower, which at that time stood free without any connection to the rest of the church building. To the left of the portal hangs a crucifix, a copy of the original cross in the chancel arch of the church from the 16th century (original Petrinum Linz). This church was destroyed by the Hussites in 1427; first the present nave was rebuilt and then the present apse (chancel) by 1475. This is attested to by a letter of indulgence from Pope Sixtus IV, who in that year cancelled the sins of all donors who contributed to the rebuilding of the church. The sacristy was added to the right of this apse and the tomb chapel of the Sprinzenstein family to the left. In the 18th century, the church became too small for the constantly growing population. It was therefore extended by two side aisles in 1752/53: the one on the right was donated by the market judge (mayor) Franz Joseph Jetschgo as a burial place for his family, the one on the left by the market town of Sarleinsbach. This essentially completed the construction of the church.