The late afternoon sun shone brilliantly as we entered Rottenbach basilica precincts on 30 August 2019. A late 15th century building, it was built on Romanesque foundations, sacked three times during the 30 Years War and restored in Baroque style by Josef Schmutzer 1737-1747. It was occupied by Augustinian canons. They did not live in isolation, but according to the ideals of the Apostles. They practised personal poverty, chastity, obedience, and communal service.
Rottenbach has a 6 bay nave, apsidal choir, developed transepts and a massive detached tower.
Rottenbuch is a successful blend of Gothic and Baroque with high quality decor. It is a building like this which reminds us that a church (particularly clear in Baroque churches) is the habitation of God - a gate toward heaven.In the designing nothing is left to chance and it is a religious statement : ground plan, number of altar steps, position of paintings, frescos. It is not about display or the prestige of the order or class : it is to glorify God. The altar and baldachin is like a stage. The two large white statues you can see in the distance are St Joachim and St Anne who are presenting Mary. This is one of the greatest works by FX Schmadl.
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Stucco work by Josef Schmutzer
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Gothic aisles retained
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| Organ front by FXSchmadl and frescoes by M Gunther |
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Scenes from life of St Augustine, early works of
Matthaus Gunther.(1737/8) |
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| Rococo pulpit by FX Schmadl |
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