The Trinity Church of Stadl-Paura

Where did the money for this magnificent building come from?

For the sailors on their perilous journey on the Traun, as well as for the residents of Lambach, the splendid pilgrimage church is visible from afar. A highly elaborate structure, especially the interior with its three altars and three organs, immediately raises the question of the source of funds for this masterpiece.

More than 60 villages, belonging to the extensive property of Lambach Abbey, had to pay tithes, which amounted to 10% of all produced yields. In addition, there was forced labor for the abbey and significant income from the salt trade, in which the abbey was significantly involved. Not to forget the proceeds from the donations of pilgrims and those from the sale of indulgences.

To precisely determine the contributions of the lands belonging to the abbey, Abbot Maximilian Pagl had them measured using the latest method. This was the second land survey in the Habsburg territories; the first took place in Milan. This naturally met with strong resistance from the population, as it reduced their influence on the amount of contributions.

But back to the church itself, dedicated to the Trinity, the Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The architect of the church, who also provided the plans, is Linz-born Michael Prunner.

On March 4, 1715, Prunner signed the contract, which was preserved in the abbey archives. The construction of the three towers and the plastering of the exterior walls were completed in October 1716.

Trained in Italy, Prunner, with the Trinity Church Stadl-Paura, ranks among the foremost architects in Austria. The floor plan concept is an equilateral triangle with an inscribed dome circle, demonstrating that the church is entirely dedicated to the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

For architecture and furnishings, the number three, related to the Trinity, triunity, naturally plays a significant role in the construction of the church. The sacristy, confessional, and Mary's chapel are housed in the three towers. Opposite the three gates, there are three altars in semi-circular altar niches, the apses. Three organs by Passau organ maker Johann Ignaz Egedacher throned above the entrances.

Three equally significant facades are characterized by forward- and backward-swinging wall parts and beveled corners of the towers. A dome roof with an attached triangular lantern crowns the central space. All towers and lanterns also have typical Baroque spires.

Overall, the Trinity Church, down to the smallest detail, is an architectural embodiment of the Trinity.