Heiligenstein & St Sebald of Nuremberg
St Sebald of Nuremberg
The namesake of the Sebaldustour in 360° Alpenland
The cycle pilgrimage was named after St Sebald of Nuremberg, who, according to legend, was a miracle-working hermit. On his pilgrimage from Rome to Nuremberg, he found his way to the Heiligenstein and lived there in a cave for 15 years. Today, this is the site of St Sebald's Church - an art-historical jewel and landmark of the municipality of Gaflenz.
The first chapel was consecrated in 1413 and became a church in the same century. It is the only church in Austria dedicated to St Sebald of Nuremberg. The church, built in the Gothic style, stands on a rocky peak at 782 metres above sea level and can be seen from afar. The Heiligenstein theme trail is located on the church grounds. Information about the history of the mountain shrine, its importance as a place of pilgrimage and the work of St Sebald is displayed at several stations in and around the church.
Some of his miraculous effects were transferred to the Heiligenstein in popular legend. Even today, St Sebald is regarded as an intercessor in cases of illness and misfortune, as the patron saint of cattle and even as a matchmaker, which is why unmarried women supposedly still pray for a husband here today.
The Sebaldi Chapel is located just below the pilgrimage church. The graceful baroque chapel was built in 1692 over a rocky niche, which is said to be the "lair" of St Sebald. The grotto in the chapel contains the stone tomb of St Sebald.
