At the end of the Carinthian Gailtal, where the path splits towards Gailberg or Mauthen, lies the imposing and impressive Gailtal Cathedral. The parish church in Kötschach was dedicated to “Our Lady”. The church was built on the remains of a medieval predecessor, which is why it had an irregular floor plan with side aisles of different widths. The given structure had to be taken into account, which is why the southern aisle is significantly smaller.
Another unusual thing is that you go down into this church (staircase exit). In fact, when it was built, stairs led upwards as usual, but a devastating flood flooded the church with so much material that it was decided to reverse the access to the otherwise largely intact building!
Please also go into the church; the Rococo frescoes, for example, or the vault covered with delicate looping patterns, as well as the wall paintings depicting the Virgin Mary, are well worth seeing! The Gailtal Cathedral is undoubtedly exceptional and remarkable in many ways.