Kefermarkt winged altarpiece

The Kefermarkt parish church is dedicated to St Wolfgang. It is home to a remarkable treasure: a beautiful winged altarpiece.

The artist who produced the world-famous altarpiece remains unknown to this day. And it is unlikely that we will ever find out their identity. What is known, however, is that Adalbert Stifter rescued this cultural gem from certain deterioration. The winged altar took on its characteristic appearance during this period of restoration.

It is 13.40 metres tall, carved from limewood and takes the form of a monstrance. The altarpiece has been in the Kefermarkt parish church for over 500 years and even managed to survive the Lutheran Reformation. It was initially painted in bright colours but, in the course of the restoration led by Adalbert Stifter, every part was treated with saline solution and the remaining paint was removed. At that time, most sections of the altarpiece were taken from Kefermarkt to Linz on the horse-drawn railway line (Linz–Budweis) and restored there in the Rint workshop. This work lasted from 1852 to 1855 and cost 500 gulden. The church and the altarpiece were commissioned by Christoph von Zelking, owner of the Weinberg estate. The church was consecrated on 30 October 1476.