Short info:
- Where is the Tullner Karner? In the center of Tulln, right next to the parish church
- What is the Tullner Karner? An ossuary and a cemetery chapel
- Does it cost entry? no
- Opening hours? A visit to the chapel room of the Tullner Karner is possible if you book in advance (see below)
The late Romanesque building of the Tullner Karner is located directly behind the parish church of St. Stephen. The building immediately catches the eye because the floor plan is 11-sided. The form apparently goes back to a sacred building in Jerusalem, where there is an extremely similar building. The building was erected by a Norman builders’ workshop around 1240/50, probably on behalf of the last Babenberg duke, Friedrich II.
Until 1785, the basement of the Karner served as an ossuary for the exhumed bones of the cemetery, which used to surround the parish church. The upper floor is a cemetery chapel. A highlight is the entrance to the Karner, a magnificent Romanesque funnel portal.
The inner
The inside of the ossuary is round and has a dome. The images are arranged in such a way that they make a religious sense when viewed from the altar. With the altar behind you, you can see the wise virgins from the gospel on the right, on the good side. Their oil jars are full, they carry them upside down. St. Catherine, the Adoration of the Child Jesus by the Magi, and the man crowned with the crown of eternal life represent the heavens into which the wise virgins enter.
On the left, on the evil side, are the foolish virgins: their jars are empty, they are carrying them upside down. with the opening down and they will be led to hell by the devil. Opposite the altar are the infernal spirits and here human vices are also depicted.
The intemperance is clearly recognizable, namely the figure with the wine barrel.
In the apse one sees the judging Christ, next to them an angel with a sword (judgment) and one with a cross (redemption), in front of them Mary and John. Above the apse, Michael is depicted fighting the infernal dragons. The paintings thus represent the Last Judgment, the separation of man into good and evil. A band with mythical creatures runs below the paintings.
Visits:
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 via the parish office (T.: 02272 623380). The office is staffed as follows: Mon 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. or Thurs 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Indoor photos Copyright by: Johann Bomüller