Baroque Nativity Scene

Frankenmarkt, Oberösterreich, Österreich

The Baroque nativity scene of Frankenmarkt does not correspond with the traditional representation of our Christmas nativity scene. On the contrary, it is entirely a Baroque nativity scene, a magnificent arrangement, trying to transfer the festive event to a rich imperial capital city.

The parish of Frankenmarkt also exhibits another exceptional treasure: the large Baroque nativity scene, which today can be found in the former Kaplanstöckl south of the church. It is supposed that the nativity scene was ordered by the citizens of Frankenmarkt after the overcoming of the 1713/14 Plague years, from the famous sculptor Meinrad Guggenbichler from Mondsee.
After his death in 1723 the successor of his workshop, Franz Anton Koch, is said to have finished the splendid nativity scene. From these times also the 45 cm high puppets originate, dressed in impressive robes, with eight ball joints each. The puppets are dressed in precious garments. According to the perception of the Baroque period, Mary and Joseph are donned with the Spanish court attire – as both are of royal descent – on the occasion of the visit of the Three Saint Kings (Epiphany).

Opening hours

Visits are possible by telephone agreement.

Arrival

Accessibility / arrival

By car:
From Salzburg via motorway A1 – Exit St. Georgen im Attergau – right on the Attergaustraße (L540) to Frankenmarkt.
From Vienna/Linz via motorway A1 – Exit St. Georgen im Attergau – right on the Attergaustraße (L540) to Frankenmarkt.
From Bad Ischl – Weißenbachtal (B153) – follow B152 to Unterach and then B151 to Attersee than left to the Attergaustraße (L540) to Frankenmarkt.

By train:
From Salzburg or Linz/Vienna with „Austrian Federal Railways“ or „Westbahn“ to Attnang Puchheim - via regional train to Frankenmarkt

By plane:
Arrival to Airport Salzburg or Linz – with the car/bus or train to Frankenmarkt.

Parking