Dom Sankt Blasien

About

The massive domed church that in the little alpine town of St. Blaisen is the result of centuries of trials and tribulations. After a fire destroyed the two-towered Baroque church that stood on the site in 1768, Prince Abbot Gerbert had a Pantheon-inspired structure built in its place. The prince then had the remains of 14 Habsburgs moved to the church, effectively making it the dynasty’s new tomb. However, this status would not last long - it was looted during the desecularization, and the royal remains taken to Austria. The church again succumbed to flames in 1874, and it wasn’t until the 1980s that it was restored it to how it stood under Prince Abbot Gerbert. Today, visitors can explore the church on their own, admiring the light and airy interior of one of the world’s largest domed churches, see the holy relics of St. Blasius, or enjoy the concerts regularly held during the summer.