Herz Jesu Church: A Neo-Gothic Masterpiece in Bregenz

Herz Jesu Church, or the Church of the Sacred Heart, stands on Kolpingplatz in Bregenz, Austria, as a testament to neo-Gothic architectural grandeur. Construction began in 1905 and concluded in 1908, with the church consecrated in 1912. The church was designed by architect Joseph Cades, with Kornel Rhomberg and Paul Faulhaber serving as master builders. The impetus for the church's construction arose from the centennial celebration of Vorarlberg's consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1896. The church's exterior is characterized by its two prominent, 62-meter-high towers and intricate brickwork. Inside, the Herz Jesu Church features a painted rib vault, divided by two side aisles and twelve columns, drawing the eye to the neo-Gothic high altar in the apse. The Ravensburg Art Institute of Theodor Schnell designed the high altar and four side altars. The stained glass windows, particularly those in the apse and the three rosettes, date back to the church's early years, while the windows in the side aisles, created by Vorarlberg artist Martin Häusle, were added in 1958. The church is also home to a remarkable organ built between 1928 and 1931 by Josef Behmann. Featuring 53 registers and 4,650 pipes, the organ is considered a cultural heritage site of Vorarlberg. The church's bells, replaced in 1963, are considered one of Austria's most important and sonorous bell ensembles. The largest bell, the Herz-Jesu Bell, weighs 5,270 kg and is a masterpiece of post-war bell casting. Masses are held regularly at Herz Jesu Church; Sundays at 11:00 and 19:00, and Tuesdays at 19:30. The church also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.