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St Andrew´s Church ("Schimmel Church")

The origins of Lenzing are said to date back to 1,500 BC, when the Romans built defensive tower structures there and withstood the attacks of the Teutons. The present St Andrew´s Church in the village was re-consecrated in 1508. However, there has been a church on this location ever since the 8th century, when Irish monks founded a missionary community on the site. In the year 748, the village name "Pirhoiwanc" (meaning Birch Tree Hill) was first mentioned in the historical documents of Mondsee. The frescoes that have been preserved in the Church depict Saint Andrew, the Virgin Mary holding the child and John the Evangelist.

Among the Church´s most impressive possessions are ribbed vaults and a magnificent Renaissance chancel that is rich with ornaments and decorations. Among these a rare painting showing Stolanus, father of Saint Anne (Mother of Mary).

Since long, the Church has been lovingly dubbed "Schimmel Church". This name is said to be of Bavarian origin. While there are many variations on the story, it most probably could be explained by the fact that St Andrew´s since ever has been a Simultaneous Church that always has been open to Non-Catholic worshippers as well. In the course of the years, this designation may have been misled into "Schimmel" Church.

Until today there are regular services held and attended by Orthodox Christian worshippers.