Hauptplatz 7 | Pharmacy
The building at Hauptplatz 7 consists of two adjoining structures. Today, it houses a pharmacy.
History
The complex has its origins in the late 13th century.
The western section was extended at the beginning of the 14th century and remodelled in the first half of the 16th century.
In the early 18th century, the building served as the town hall.
Since the late 18th century, it has been used as a pharmacy.
Eastern Section
(rendered in deep yellow)
The eastern section displays, above the lintel on the upper floor, a meander frieze dating from the first half of the 19th century.
Several frescoes survive on the upper floor.
Description of the Frontal View of the Frescoes
Fresco on the left:
This fresco is a depiction of Saint Christopher, painted around 1500.
Three frescoes in the centre:
At the top is the coat of arms of Archbishop Jakob Ernst Count von Liechtenstein (painted in 1745). Below this, there are two coats of arms from the second half of the 16th century. The one on the right is the town arms of Friesach.
Fresco on the right:
This fresco depicts the arms of Leonhard von Keutschach, and bears the date 1497.
Western Section
(rendered in pastel greenish-grey)
On the western section, a commemorative plaque recalls the physician and poet Karl Schönherr, who completed an internship here in 1890-1891.
Special Features
The ground floor contains a 16th-century single-pillar hall with a massive central column.
The western corridor is covered by a barrel vault with lunette openings and features lancet windows dating to around 1320.
The pharmacy retains its original wooden fittings from the second half of the 19th century.
Fresco depicting St Christopher and Christ Child
The fresco on the left dates back to around 1500 and depicts Saint Christopher, a popular saint in Christian iconography known for carrying the Christ Child across a river.
The fresco is framed by a red rectangular border, which encloses the figures of Saint Christopher and the Christ child.
Saint Christopher is depicted with a large staff in hand, standing tall and robust, symbolising his strength and role as a protector. He is carrying the Christ Child on his shoulder, a traditional representation of this saint, who is often associated with safely escorting travellers across dangerous waters.
The figures are painted in muted tones, with Saint Christopher wearing a deep red robe, and the Christ child adorned with a halo, wearing a robe and holding an orb with a cross in one hand. The backdrop is a soft, light green, complementing the earthy tones of the figures.
The fresco, despite some wear over time, retains an aura of reverence and skilful craftsmanship from the Late Gothic period.
Broad Decorative Frieze on the Facade
A continuous horizontal decorative band is visible above the windows of the upper floor and below the roof cornice of the facade. It features a repeated geometric pattern.
Meander Friezes
Four meander friezes are located directly above the upper floor windows and below the triangular pediments. They feature a Greek key pattern.
