Rupert’s Chapel (Rupertikapelle) | History
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The Chapels of the Keep (Kapellenturm)
The keep of Petersberg Castle is associated with two chapels:
– Gebhard’s Chapel (also known as Konrad’s Chapel)
– Rupert’s Chapel.
Gebhard’s Chapel (Gebhardskapelle)
This was the earliest chapel (11th–12th century), associated with Archbishops Gebhard I and Konrad I of Salzburg.
Parts of the masonry of Gebhard’s Chapel were later incorporated into the western wall of the keep.
Rupert’s Chapel (Rupertikapelle)
This later and principal chapel within the keep (c. 1200–1230) was richly decorated with Romanesque frescoes. It represents the culmination of Romanesque architecture on the Petersberg.
Rupert’s Chapel (Rupertikapelle) | History
Rupert’s Chapel is the later and larger chapel that was incorporated into the fourth floor of the keep (Kapellenturm). It was built around 1200.
This monumental chapel space was adorned with Romanesque frescoes depicting St Rupert, St Virgil, Mary as the Throne of Solomon, the Nativity, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and Christ’s Last Supper.
The chapel was originally covered by a cross-ribbed vault.
Under Archbishop Eberhard II of Salzburg (1200–1246), the chapel underwent further expansion and decoration.
The frescoes and stucco work were largely destroyed in the 19th century, but drawings and photographs preserve their appearance.
Rupert’s Chapel thus represents the principal chapel within the keep and the culmination of Romanesque architecture on the Petersberg.
