Pfarrkirchen: Architecture, Art and Tradition

Discover Pfarrkirchen through its buildings, art and traces in the urban landscape. The Catholic parish church, the Museum in the Old Town Hall and the Ringallee each offer a different cultural perspective; the pilgrimage church of the Virgin Mary on the Gartlberg adds another. The former uses of buildings are also part of the city’s story: a former warehouse now houses several institutions, while the secularised hospital church is open only for special events. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Pfarrkirchen, architectural history, exhibitions and event dates can help you choose the cultural focus of your trip.

Townscape and architectural history

The Catholic parish church in Pfarrkirchen is dedicated to the protection of the Apostles Simon and Jude Thaddaeus. The Old Town Hall stands at the north-west corner of the town square. At the Museum in the Old Town Hall, you can see examples of historical crafts and folk art from Pfarrkirchen and the central Rottal region.

The Erasmushaus, formerly the Erasmus Chapel, is an octagonal central-plan building with a tent roof dating from the 15th century and is one of the region’s most remarkable late Gothic buildings. Octagonal means eight-sided; the term describes the shape of the central-plan building. The pilgrimage church of the Virgin Mary, also known as the Gartlberg Church, stands on the Gartlberg and is one of Pfarrkirchen’s distinctive landmarks. The Stations of the Cross on the way to the Gartlberg comprise 15 stations; in 1972, the carved Stations of the Cross from the parish church were incorporated into this route.

The Ringallee: Wall Remains, Greenery and Sculptures

The Ringallee encircles Pfarrkirchen’s old town and was laid out on the city’s former defensive rampart. It is considered unique in Lower Bavaria. Its features include remains of the old city wall dating from 1558, various fountains and landscaped green spaces. The Ringallee is also home to an international sculpture exhibition featuring notable sculptors of the 20th and 21st centuries. Traces of the fortifications, landscaped green spaces and art from different centuries thus stand side by side as distinct themes.

Exhibitions and Former Uses of City Buildings

The Hans-Reiffenstuel-Haus was formerly a warehouse in the railway station area. Today, it houses an exhibition space, the local music centre and the town library, with its permanent exhibition “Local Wildlife”. Several high-profile art exhibitions are held each year on the ground floor in collaboration with the Munich Secession artists’ association, and admission is free. Check the current programme for details of upcoming exhibitions.

The secularised hospital church is used for concerts and theatre performances, as well as for a nativity scene exhibition during the Christmas season. It is open only for these occasions.

Horse Races on the Whitsun Weekend

Traditional horse races are held every year on the Whitsun weekend at Bavaria’s oldest racecourse. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the current dates in advance. These events take place at distinct times of year: the horse races are held on the Whitsun weekend, while the nativity scene exhibition is part of the Christmas season.

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