Beneath the choir of Gurk Cathedral lies a crypt with 100 columns. It was consecrated in 1174 and houses the tomb of Saint Hemma of Gurk. Here, sacred architectural history meets the memory of Hemma in Gurk.

Cathedral, Crypt and Lenten Veil

Another highlight is the Gurk Lenten Veil. It is considered the oldest Velum quadragesimale preserved in Austria and is one of the largest painted Lenten veils in Europe. The veil measures 8.87 × 8.87 metres, consists of two linen halves and is painted in tempera. The workshop of Master Konrad of Friesach completed it in 1458 on behalf of cathedral provost Johann Hinterkircher for the church.

The Lenten veil depicts a total of 108 biblical scenes in 99 panels. The crypt and the veil offer different ways of exploring the cathedral’s cultural history: the tomb of Saint Hemma on the one hand, and a large-scale work depicting biblical scenes on the other.

Treasury and Local History

The Gurk Treasury includes the Gurk processional altar from the 13th century. It also houses the Magdalenenscheibe from Weitensfeld, the oldest documented stained-glass work in Austria, dating from around 1160/70. The two works date from different periods: the stained glass is from the 12th century, while the processional altar is from the 13th century.

Another chapter in the town’s history leads to the Gurk court well, also known as “Gerichtswasser.” Documents from the 12th century mention the well. Because of its location and use, it is a distinctive type of legal monument in the study of medieval antiquities in Austria; it is also associated with the cold-water ordeal as a trial by ordeal. The Haus der Heimat in Gurk houses a permanent exhibition in the renovated former sawmill of the cathedral chapter.

Pilgrimage Route and Walks

Gurk Cathedral is the destination of the Hemma Pilgrimage Route. It begins in Slovenia, covers around 800 kilometres and invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of the founder of churches and monasteries. Alongside its art and history, Gurk is therefore also connected to a long-distance pilgrimage route.

For a shorter route, the Gurk Market Walk is listed as 2.06 kilometres long; its starting point is in front of Gurk Cathedral. The Heidenbrunnenweg leads from the cathedral square to the Heidenbrunnen, the former Gurk court well. If you are looking for a route with a stated distance, choose the Market Walk; if you are interested in local history, the Heidenbrunnenweg leads to the former court well. This distinguishes a walk with a stated distance from a route with a historic destination, without equating their scales.

Landscape and Wildlife

The landscape around Gurk is also shaped by specific natural features. Red and roe deer, mouflon, wild boar, beavers and martens find plenty of food in the forests around Gurk and in the Gurk River. The natural setting thus extends from the surrounding forests to the river, adding a look at habitats and wildlife to the town’s cultural themes.

Discover more destinations: Treffling, Liebenfels, Sankt Georgen Am Längsee, Guttaring, Weitensfeld im Gurktal, Sadin, Eggen, Sankt Veit an der Glan.

Back to the main travel overview: Sankt Veit An Der Glan.