Tower Roof of the Church of St. Mauritius
The restoration of the vibrant, polychrome-tiled medieval roof of St. Mauritius’ Church in Spitz an der Donau secured Austria’s only surviving late medieval roof of its kind. Combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced research and careful conservation methodologies, the project further reconnected the community with its heritage and helped revitalise regional identity.
The medieval parish Church of St. Mauritius in Spitz an der Donau, perched high above the Danube river, is an iconic landmark within the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Its vibrant, polychrome-tiled tower roof is not only visually striking but also historically significant, particularly following the surprising discovery that the roof, long thought to date from the 19th century, in fact originates from around 1505. This makes it Austria’s only fully preserved late medieval example of this distinctive roofing style. Following severe storm damage in 2020, an extensive restoration project was launched to secure this fragile cultural heritage.
The interdisciplinary team led by the Austrian Federal Monuments Authority adopted a carefully planned multi-stage approach that combined advanced scientific research with traditional conservation techniques. These included true-to-deformation surveying, photogrammetry, dendrochronology, building archaeology, mineralogical analysis, and archival studies. The research revealed invaluable insights into original construction methods and symbolism, such as the floral meadow motif symbolising the Kingdom of Heaven and the imperial coat of arms of Emperor Maximilian I. A detailed tile book documented the condition and position of all 8,000 roof tiles, significantly aiding knowledge transfer.
The restoration prioritised minimal intervention, preserving 80% of the original roof tiles in situ. Approximately 2,000 replacement tiles were crafted using authentic medieval methods by skilled ceramists to match the originals. Modern, invisible ventilation systems were discreetly integrated to improve structural longevity while safeguarding the building’s historic fabric.
The main funding partners of the project included the Austrian Federal Monuments Authority, the Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport, the Office of the Lower Austrian Provincial Government, the Diocese of St. Pölten, the Parish of Spitz, the Market Town of Spitz, and contributions from local associations and private donors.
Volunteers played a crucial role by cleaning tiles, organising events, and raising funds through campaigns such as a “brick donation” initiative. Public engagement activities – including symposiums, guided tours, and educational outreach – strengthened local pride and raised awareness of cultural values. Accessibility and outreach to non-traditional audiences were also prioritised.
This restoration project offers a valuable model for heritage conservation, showcasing how interdisciplinary expertise and craftsmanship can combine with community involvement. Beyond safeguarding architectural history, the project strengthened the church as a vibrant centre of identity and sustainable tourism within the World Heritage region.
“This project exemplifies a successful combination of professional expertise and local engagement. The restoration was carried out to a high technical standard while actively involving the local community, resulting in a process that was both inclusive and conservation-driven,” the Awards’ Jury commented.
“The restoration of the roof tiles was based on meticulous research and documentation, treating them as an artistic component of a building,” the Jury added.
Contact: Gerold Eßer | Federal Monuments Authority Austria | gerold.esser@bda.gv.at | www.bda.gv.at