Streichenkirche St. Servatius

A special place of power

The Church of St. Servatius on the Streichen stands 814 meters above sea level on the Schlossberg high above the valley of the Tiroler Ache. It is located on an old, historically significant mule track, from which the name Streichen (Strichen = crossing, mule track) is derived. Prehistoric finds from the late Bronze Age testify to an early settlement in the place. In the Middle Ages, the Streichenburg Castle rose above today’s Streichen Church. It is assumed that the Streichen Knights built a small castle chapel in honor of St. Servatius as early as the 12th century. The current church was probably only built after the Streichen Knights era around 1300. The Church of St. Servatius was first mentioned in documents in the first half of the 15th century. St. Servatius was considered by farmers to be the patron saint of good weather and good harvests and is one of the Ice Saints. The small and rather inconspicuous former pilgrimage church houses very special treasures inside.

Medieval church art

The current structure of the Streichenkirche looks back on a history of around 700 years. The flat-roofed, single-nave nave was probably built at the end of the 13th century. The choir, which was built around 1450, is closed on three sides, strongly recessed and has a net vault. The church has a ridge turret in the west. The baroque remodeling was removed between 1943 and 1954, and old frescoes were uncovered. The highlights since then have included the wall paintings dating from around 1440, which are an exceptional example of medieval church art. The choir shows the life of Mary, the Passion of Christ and the Last Judgement, while the nave shows scenes from legends of saints and the events of salvation. Carved altars from the 16th century and a valuable box altar from 1410, whose paintings are outstanding examples of the so-called soft style of International Gothic, round off the interior of the church.

Around the Streichenkriche

From the Streichen Church you can not only enjoy a fantastic view over the Schleching Valley to Geigelstein, Kampenwand and Hochplatte, but also towards the Kaiser Mountains. Concerts are regularly held at and in the Streichen Church. The former sacristan’s house, the Streichen mountain inn, is also closely connected to the Streichen Church. The building, which was for sale, was acquired with the support of the Streichen friends from the Bavarian Cultural Foundation and the Yvonne and Thomas Wilde Family Foundation. It will now be carefully renovated in order to preserve it in its original form for all Schleching residents and visitors.

Visit to the Streichenkirche

The church is usually open to visitors every day and can be entered in the vestibule. The gate to the main room is only opened for church services, events or guided tours. Historical church tours with local historian Hartmut Rihl are offered by Achental Tourism and, on request, by the Schleching parish office. Special permits to drive on the closed road to the church are also available on request from the Schleching municipality.