The last complete renovation of St Pölten Cathedral dates back to 1949, which is why findings were completed in 2023 in order to initiate renewed maintenance.

2024-2025: One year of cathedral renovation

The eight-year general refurbishment of the cathedral from 2024 to 2031 has begun as planned and is in full swing. The restoration of the Romanesque vault, also known as the cathedral apse, has now been completed: The remains of the stone façade have been cleaned off, the wall has been cleaned, stabilised and missing parts have been added. The stone parts were restored and new stones were installed. The entire façade surfaces have been given a full-surface protective lime-based coating.

The bell in the apse tower was professionally cleaned as part of the current restoration work (Georg Riemer) and hung in a new wooden construction (Franz Reithner). It was fitted with a new hemp rope for ringing by hand (to which Stefan Stöger contributed a great deal) and can now be rung again. rung be repaired. The sheet copper roofing was repaired and the eye of God on the roof was removed, regilded and replaced.

The name „Kompletglocke“ (sic!) comes from the parish chronicle of the cathedral parish (1946) and refers to its use in the past. At present, it is rung for the Magnificat of the Pontifical Vespers, which also allows the name "Vesper Bell" to be used.

It was probably made by an anonymous founder in the 16th century, originally rang in the Achleiten castle chapel near Strengberg and came from there to the newly founded cathedral museum at the end of the 19th century. In 1946, it was brought to its current destination as a replacement for a cracked bell. Together with the surviving wooden yoke, it weighs 45.5 kg and has a diameter of 40 cm. Its Sound lies between c‘‘‘ and c sharp‘‘‘.

The year 2025 is now second stage has already begun and is well advanced. The cathedral tower and the west façade facing the cathedral square are being restored, as you can see. The damaged plaster has been removed and moss and algae treated. The façade was then washed, some new plaster was applied and repainted. The windows and doors were also painted and coated, the glass renewed and the metal panelling repaired. Although the cathedral tower was restored in 2002, it was again urgently necessary to supplement and repair the stone parts and also to re-roof the sheet metal spire.

So-called advertising “bubbles“ have been attached to the scaffolding and the construction fences. We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters who have made donations and thus contributed significantly to the preservation of the landmark of Lower Austria's capital city. Special thanks go to the cathedral parish, the donation association, the federal government, the state of Lower Austria and the particularly generous city of Sankt Pölten.

Following the restoration of the façade, work on the roof and the north and south façades is scheduled to begin in 2026. We ask for a particularly generous donation for this important stage and say a special thank you in advance!