Once the undisputed winter sports capital of the country, Kitzbuhel now has to share its crown with other resorts. The alpine town is surrounded by several mountain massifs, with scores of well-signposted trails. The best conditions are offered by the Hahnenkamm—Steinbergkogel— Pengelstein group to the southwest, the Kitzbuheler Horn to the north, the Stuckkogel and the Thurn Pass. This is where the famous Hahnenkammrennen, a downhill skiing race, takes place at the end of January each year. Kitzbuhel is more than a sporting resort; untouched by wartime ravages, it has many historic sights. The Andreaskirche was built in 1435 on the site of a Romanesque church. In 1785 it was rebuilt in the Baroque style, and it has recently been restored. Inside are late-Gothic columns and 15th-century traceries and frescoes. There is also an interesting main altarpiece, by Simon Benedikt Faistenberger. Adjacent to the parish church is Liebfrauenkirche (church of Our Lady), with a square tower. The main altar is also by Faistenberger. The 14th-century St Catherine’s church in the city centre is now a monument to those killed in the two world wars.
