Wehrkirche Edlitz

Edlitz is home to one of the most beautiful fortified churches in the Bucklige Welt. Beautifully preserved are the cast-iron bay window, embrasures, the upper storey of the fortifications as well as the former cistern under the church floor and the remains of the former defensive walls. The nave is the dominant structural element, almost square in plan with four cross-vaulted bays supported in the middle by a mighty pillar. The bell tower almost disappears behind the high roof of the church. When the nave was rebuilt in 1490, the sacred building was equipped with fortifications. The last exterior renovation took place in 1978, the interior of the church was last renovated in 1984 (restoration of the high altar, pulpit, stations of the cross and figures of saints) and 2003 (redesign of the altar).

The vicarage formed a unit with the fortified churchyard. The oldest preserved part is marked by a gate that provided access independently of the churchyard. A small stone plaque set into the wall above the gate bears the date 1452 and the name Oswald in Latin letters. The remains of the former churchyard walls can still be found around the church.

For guided tours of the church, please contact the municipality of Edlitz.

Public transportation

From Vienna or Graz to Wr. Neustadt main station. From there, take the Aspangbahn to Edlitz-Grimmenstein station and continue by regional bus to Edlitz/Ortsmitte station. The fortified church is approx. 100 m away.