Paldau can be explored through various historical and seasonal themes: the parish church of St. Vitus features several construction phases, traces of different periods of settlement can be found on the Saazkogel, and recurring annual church events give certain dates in the year special significance. An open-air exhibition site on the Saazkogel and the seasonal outdoor pool add to these themes. When planning your trip, you can choose between architectural history, archaeology, festival dates, and swimming.
Churches and Architectural History
A Romanesque construction phase of the parish church of St. Vitus in Paldau is dated to the years 1201 to 1250. The tower and choir were built later, from 1441 to 1445. This presents two distinct construction periods: the Romanesque phase of the 13th century and the construction of the tower and choir in the 15th century. Those interested in architecture can focus on this sequence of periods rather than reducing the church to a single year of construction.
The Saazkogel Church is now a popular wedding church; many baptisms are also held there. If a celebration at this church is relevant to your travel plans, be sure to check the specific arrangements in advance.
Archaeological Traces on the Saazkogel
The Saazkogel is home to a Hallstatt-period hilltop settlement with a barrow cemetery dating from the 7th century BC. There was also a Roman settlement there covering around nine hectares. These details describe different periods: the early settlement is associated with a barrow cemetery, while the Roman settlement is characterized by its approximate area. A hilltop settlement is a settlement in an elevated location; a barrow cemetery refers to burials beneath raised mounds. These terms help distinguish the different aspects of the Saazkogel’s history.
The exhibition site at Station 8 on the Saazkogel is freely accessible and can be included as a specific stop in your plans.
Festivals and Chapels
The Laurenzi Festival on the Saazkogel is celebrated every year on the second Sunday in August. A rogation procession takes place annually at the Pöllau village chapel on Ascension Day; the chapel was consecrated on 20 August 1893. The two traditions follow different calendar dates: one festival falls on a Sunday in August, while the procession takes place on Ascension Day. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the specific date for that year in advance.
In Puch, the altar of the Maria Lourdes Chapel depicts a Lourdes grotto. This detail complements the dated architectural history and recurring annual events with a distinct look at the furnishings of a chapel.
Spring and Outdoor Pool
The “Heiliges Bründl” spring has been used as a source of water for thousands of years. Unlike the church’s construction phases, which are dated to specific years, this detail describes the spring’s long history of use as a water source. It broadens the focus beyond buildings and festival days to include the history of water use in the area.
For a different kind of break, there is the Paldau outdoor pool: its large pool allows you to swim undisturbed. This creates a clear difference when planning your timing: the outdoor pool is seasonal, while the festivals are tied to recurring dates. If you are choosing between cultural history and swimming, you can first consider which time of year best suits your priorities.
Discover more destinations: Gnas, Auersbach, Kapfenstein, Unterlamm, Sankt Stefan Im Rosental, Studenzen, Hatzendorf, Feldbach
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