Pfarrkirche Großau

When the Großau church was first mentioned in a document on 11.11.1369, it had already been in existence for some time. The Großau church is still a "branch" of the Gainfarn parish today. Originally, it was only as large as today's chancel. At the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 20th century, it was extended and better equipped inside.

The Berndorf-based industrialist Arthur Krupp (patron) had the church extensively renovated in 1918/19, along with structural changes. A sacristy and porch were built and the church tower, which until then had been pointed, was given an onion-shaped spire designed by Viennese architect Robert Oerley. The church also received its first organ and the ceiling of the nave was decorated with a fresco. The face of the Virgin Mary, who is depicted in the fresco, is said to be that of Margarethe Krupp. As the wife of Arthur Krupp, the renovation of the church was of particular concern to her.

The simply furnished church is dedicated toSt. Catherine of Alexandria, who is depicted on the altarpiece. She is considered the patron saint of scholarship, libraries, schools, students and pupils. In gratitude that Großau was spared from the plague epidemic in 1713, the wooden statues of the two patron saints of the plague (St. Sebastian and St. Rochus) were placed on the altar.