Patsch is the oldest village in the southern foothills of Innsbruck. The name Patsch first appeared in historical documents in the year 1200 (Gertraud Pfaundler-Spat: Tirollexikon), recorded as Pats, Patsun, Patchs, Patsches. The name itself is believed to be derived from the Celtic word "biaidhe" for tiny (bi) and place (aidhe). The origins of Patsch are said to date back to time long past, however, the exact date is not known. The remains of an early Bronze Age settlement were found during construction works for the Europe Bridge. The Celts have left traces of a settlement here until 400 BC. Later, the Rhaetians began to colonize the area and erected their bulwarks on the hills surrounding Patsch. Millennium old remnants of these dwellings, giving evidence of a settlement at Patsch prior to the arrival of the Romans, were found on Zachbichl, Burgstall, Rosenhügel, and Gänsbichl. Many of today's field names date back to these times. In the 8th century, Bavarian tribes conquered the Tyrol and set up the village you see today, probably by the 12th century. The present development of Patsch still echoes the Bavarian plan. Politically and economically, Patsch then was a cooperative society together with the surrounding rural communes of Ellbögen, Igls, Vill, Lans and Sistrans. The favorable location of Patsch was probably the reason for the early settlement of the area (little snowfall, early clearing of the snow thanks to the warm foehn winds, fertile grounds as a result of loess drift, naturally strong defensive location). The surrounding lands grew excellent crops and grains. These days, Patsch had four grain mills, one of which was operated on a commercial basis ("beim Müller").
Communications have always been important. Before the Romans came there were ancient trackways crisscrossing the country. The Roman Road, once a significant salt trade route from Hall to the South, passes by Patsch. Remains of this ancient road were found at Altwirt Inn in 1994. The original stones were then relaid north from the Patsch Elementary School where they can be admired today (image). The "Zollerhof" was a customs office ("Zoll" meaning customs). As early as in the l2th century, the Bär Inn on the Roman Road became a frequent trading and coaching stop for Roman merchants. In the year 1809, this Inn was the very place where Tyrol's famous resistance fighter, Andreas Hofer, met with his fellow combatant Josef Speckbacher to discuss the strategies in the Tyrolean War of Independence. The Grünwalderhof, built in 1550, originally was the hunting lodge of Count Thurn und Taxis. The historical building was completely refurbished in 1931 and today houses an Inn again, just as back in Medieval times. History records that in 1399 a substantial part of the village was destroyed by a great fire. The only building that survived the disaster is the present "Thomele" structure.
In the historical documents of the year 1249 "ze Pats" is recorded as a Parish for the first time, however, its origin very probably dates back even longer. Unfortunately there is no written evidence of the year the Parish had been established. In 1259, Bruno, Prince Bishop of Brixen, entrusted the Parish of Patsch to the Stift Wilten Monastery. The Monastery was, and still is, affiliated with the Parish of Patsch. Together with Ampass and Wilten, Patsch is among the original parishes of the Monastery. In the Medieval record books, smaller churches are recorded at Igls (1286), Ellbögen (1326), Sistrans (1339), Lans (1369) and Vill (1397). All these tiny churches were subsidiaries to the parish of Patsch that provided pastoral care to them. In the 16th century Igls-Vill became a separate parish. When Emperor Josef II decreed a new organization of the parishes, Sistrans and Lans were split into individual parishes in 1784 and Ellbögen became so three years later in 1787. The pilgrimage church at Heiligwasser has long served as a subsidiary to the Parish Church.
St. Donatus', the Parish Church of Patsch first appeared in historical documents in the year 1259, however the original Romanesque style steeple with its round arch windows gives proof that the church is older. In 1399 a substantial part of the village and the church were destroyed by a great fire. The only remnants of the original church were the square tower with its round arch windows. As a result the nave was completely rebuilt in Gothic style. The building of a new church was decided in 1459 and consecrated in 1479. This church has undergone several changes over the centuries. In the second half of the 17th century the somewhat gloomy interior was lighted up by the installation of narrow Gothic windows. A new high altar and a side altar replaced the Gothic wing altar. Like most churches St. Donatus' again was extensively 'restored' in Baroque times: The nave was extended in 1767-1768, the pointed groin vaults were removed and the interior was lavishly adorned with murals and ornate plasterwork. A gallery was added as well. The church you see today is mainly of the years 1972 to 1978, when complete restoration was carried out. The elaborate ceiling murals are the last work of 72-year old artist Anton Zoller (1695 - 1768). After his death, his work was completed by Josef Kremer, a pupil of Paul Troger, who conceived the design of the altarpiece as well.
Arranged by: Innsbruck Tourism, Tourist Office A-6082 Patsch
Source:
Kuen, Herbert "Wanderführer für den Speckbacherweg", Hall, 2000
Oswald Wörle, "Pfarrkirche Patsch"
Berg-Isel-Stiftung, 1945
Hotel Grünwalderhof
Hotel Bär
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