Protestant Church in Ramsau Ort

Built between 1888 and 1895, the church was designed by architect Hans Kieser from  Nürnberg. Its Neo-Romanesque style is complemented by its classic cruciform ground plan.  The nave measures 39 m, the transept 24.5 m and the church tower is 42 m high and built onto 9 m long wooden stakes to reinforce the loose ground beneath. The elaborate foundation of the church considerably increased its construction cost, and yet, this was only one of the difficulties the parish had to overcome.  

The limestones, used for the construction of the church, were mined at the Kramllahn in Ramsau and volunteers used ox-drawn sledges to take them down to the construction site in winter. This stone is known for its strength and was also used to make millstones in the area. The majority of stonemasons and bricklayers were season workers from Italy who would come in spring and leave in autumn.  

The gallery is made entirely of the wood which local farmers donated to the church. The altar shows a painting of the Crucifixion inspired by Rubens. The altarpieces show Apostle  John and Paul. The church’s organ is an exquisite piece made by organ builder Konrad  Hopferwieser from Graz. Other additions like altarpieces, font, windows, and bells were financed by donations. The three big Bochum steel bells had to be delivered via the Rössinggraben as the street to Schladming had not been built at the time. 

The help of the Gustav-Adolf-Verein and the financial commitments of the over 1.300 locals made it possible to complete this church with is 750 seats after 7 years of building works. On  August 15th 1895, the Protestant Church was ready to move in with a big entrance – to praise the Lord!  

We are forever grateful to the souls who contributed to the building process.