Fresco
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The Saint Christopher fresco

Patron saint of salt shipping and car driving

In the course of the Gothic extension of the parish church at the beginning of the 16th century the large fresco on the lake side of the building is created. It shows Saint Christopher, patron saint of travellers. Christopher means “Christ-bearer”.

This is of particular significance in Hallstatt, where the dangerous job of transporting salt from the saltworks by lake and river begins. Here, Saint Christopher is revered in a special way as protector of those aboard the salt ships.

The life-size depiction of Saint Christopher as a statue or in paintings is popular in the 15th and 16th century. The representation, visible from afar, is considered a protection against all wickedness in everyday life, particularly against sudden death. Saint Christopher is still the patron saint of car drivers today.

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