St Aloysius' Church
Approximately 130kms north of Adelaide in the Clare Valley lies a small monastic town of Sevenhill, founded by members of the Jesuit order in 1850.
Inside of the church
Among the tranquil gardens of the Sevenhill Winery stands a magnificent Gothic Church called St Aloysius' Church, named after Aloysius Kranewitter, an Austrian Jesuit priest. Built with local stones, the church has beautiful slate floors and stained-glass windows. n front of the church was a painting of The Madonna which was presented to the Jesuits by King Ludwig of Bavaria in 1848.
The Crypt
What is most unique about St Aloysius' Church is that it is the only parish church in Australia to have a crypt, which is the final resting place for the Jesuit priests. The crypt is open to visitors and entrance is outside of the church on the northern side.
Burial plaques in the crypt
Completed in 1875, this is still a functioning church today, holding Mass each weekend and serving the parish of Sevenhill.
A unique place, it's worth a visit the next time you are in the Clare Valley region. More information on the Church and Sevenhills can be found on their
website.
