Tullner Karner: Historic ossuary and chapel from the Middle Ages
The Tullner Karner, directly behind the parish church of St. Stephan is an impressive medieval ossuary and was formerly used as a burial site. With its Romanesque architecture and two-story structure, the ossuary is an important testimony to the veneration of the dead in the Middle Ages. Today it attracts visitors who want to learn more about the history of burial culture in Tulln.
Short info:
- Where is the Tulln Karner? In the center of Tulln, right next to the parish church
- What is the Tullner Karner? An ossuary and a cemetery chapel
- Is there an entrance fee? No
- opening hours? A tour of the chapel room of the Tulln charnel house is possible with advance reservation (see below)
Directly behind the parish church of St. Stephan, lies the late Romanesque building of the Tullner Karner The building immediately catches the eye because of its 11-sided floor plan. The shape is evidently based on a religious building in Jerusalem, where a very similar building stands. The building was built around 1240/50 by a Norman building workshop, probably on the orders of the last Babenberg Duke, Frederick II.
Until 1785, the basement of the charnel house served as ossuary for the exhumed bones of the cemetery, which the city parish church The upper floor is a cemetery chapelA highlight is the entrance to the charnel house, a magnificent Romanesque funnel portal.
The interior
The inside of the charnel house is round and covered with a dome. The images are arranged in such a way that they have a religious meaning when viewed from the altar. If you have the altar behind you, you can see the wise virgins from the Gospel on the right, on the side of the good. Their oil jars are full and they are carrying them with the opening facing upwards. St. Catherine, the adoration of the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men and the man crowned with the crown of eternal life represent heaven, into which the wise virgins enter.
On the left, on the side of evil, you can see the foolish virgins: their jars are empty, they carry them upside down, with the opening facing downwards, and they are being led to hell by the devil. Opposite the altar you can see the infernal spirits and human vices are also represented here.
The excess is clearly visible, namely the figure with the wine barrel.
In the apse you can see Christ judging, next to him an angel with a sword (judgment) and one with a cross (salvation), in front of him Mary and John. Above the apse you can see Michael fighting the infernal dragons. The paintings thus represent the Last Judgement, the division of man into good and evil. Below the paintings runs a band with mythical creatures. (Text “by https://erleben.tulln.at)
sightseeing
The Karner is open every Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in July, August and September.
Outside of these times, it is possible to organize a visit through the parish office (T.: 02272 623380). The office is open Monday 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. or Thursday 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Indoor photos copyright by: Johann Bomüller
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