Religious, Spiritual sights in Vienna
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Augustinerkirche
The Augustinerkirche (Augustinian Church) dates from the 14th century and is one of the older parts of the Hofburg. The vaulted ceiling testifies to its unmistakably Gothic origins, and the sparse interior was converted to baroque in the 17th century before being restored to original Gothic in 1784. The stone high altar is neo-Gothic, dating from 1870. On the right as you enter is a pyramid-shaped tomb containing Maria Theresia’s daughter Archduchess Maria Christina, designed by Antonio Canova (of Theseus and the Minotaur fame, see). The Augustinerkirche, however, is most famous for being where the hearts of 54 Habsburg rulers are kept. The urns containing them can be v…
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Karlskirche
Karlskirche (Church of St Charles Borromeo) rises at the southeast corner of Resselpark and is the finest of Vienna’s baroque churches. This dramatic structure was built between 1716 and 1739, after a vow by Karl VI at the end of the 1713 plague. It was designed and commenced by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and completed by his son Joseph. The enormous twin columns at the front are modelled on Trajan’s Column in Rome and show scenes from the life of St Charles Borromeo (who helped plague victims in Italy), to whom the church is dedicated. The huge oval dome reaches 72m. The highlight is the lift to the dome for a close-up view of the intricate frescos by Johann Mich…
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Stift Klosterneuburg
Founded in 1114, the abbey’s baroque facelift didn’t begin until 1730, and wasn’t completed until 1842. The plans actually called for something much more grand, but fortunately these were not realised, leaving large sections intact in their original medieval style. The abbey’s museum contains an eclectic mix of religious art from the Middle Ages to the present. It closes in winter to individual visitors, but tours of are conducted almost hourly all year (tours in English require advanced notice). The highlight of the ‘Der Sacrale Weg’ tour is the Verdun Altar in St Leopold’s Chapel, an annexe of the church. Made in 1181 by Nicholas of Verdun, it is an unsurpas…
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Schottenkirche
At the northern end of Herrengasse, the Schottenkirche (Church of the Scots) was founded by Benedictine monks probably originating from Scotia Maior (Ireland); the present facade dates from the 19th century. The interior has a beautifully frescoed ceiling and terracotta-red touches. Although the main nave can only be entered during services at noon and 6pm to 7pm daily, it’s possible to peek through the gates. A small art and artefacts museum in the adjoining monastery displays religious pieces from the church and monastery, but of more interest is the church shop, which stocks homemade schnapps, honey and jams. On Fridays Freyung is transformed into a farmers market, f…
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Stadttempel
The Stadttempel (City Synagogue), Vienna’s main synogogue, was completed in 1826 after Toleranzpatent reforms by Joseph II in the 1780s granted rights to Vienna’s Jews to practise their religion. Built in an exquisite Biedermeier style, the main prayer room is flanked by 12 ionic columns and rises into a cupola. It seats about 500 people. Visitors of the Jewish faith can phone the synagogue (Hebrew, English and German spoken) for more information about services. Arrive early to register with security, and bring your passport.
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Franziskanerkirche
This Franciscan church is a glorious architectural deception. Viewed from outside, it exudes all the hallmarks of an early 17th-century Renaissance style, yet inside it is awash with gold and marble decorative features from the baroque era about 100 years later. The impressive high altar takes the form of a triumphal arch and hidden behind this is Vienna’s oldest organ, dating from 1642, built by Johann Wöckherl. This organ is being restored and if all goes according to plan it will be wheezing heavenly tones again from around 2011.
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Ruprechtskirche
A few steps north of Ruprechtsplatz, Ruprechtskirche (St Rupert’s Church) dates from about 1137 or earlier, making it the oldest church in Vienna. The lower levels of the tower date from the 12th century, the roof from the 15th century and the iron Renaissance door on the west side from the 1530s. What makes this church attractive is its unusually simple exterior of ivy-clad stone walls in cobblestoned surrounds. The interior is just as sleek and worth viewing, with a Romanesque nave from the 12th century.
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Dominikanerkirche
The Dominicans first came to Vienna in 1226, when Leopold VI of Babenberg invited them to settle, but their first church, built on the site of today’s Dominikanerkirche, was dismantled during the first Turkish siege in 1529 and the stone used to fortify the city walls. The church you see today was the first baroque church in Vienna and was consecrated in 1634. It was largely the work of Italian architects and artisans and is well worth visiting for its large interior of white stucco and frescos.
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Minoritenkirche
The Minoritenkirche (Minorite Church) is a 13th-century Gothic church that, like many in Austria, later received a baroque facelift. If you think the tower looks a little stubby, you’re right on the button: it was ‘shortened’ by the Turks in 1529. The most noteworthy piece inside is a mosaic copy of da Vinci’s Last Supper, commissioned by Napoleon. The church hosts classical concerts and choir recitals throughout the year; schedules are often posted outside. Expect to pay about €20.
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Kirche Zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkeit
The stack of concrete blocks that form the Kirche zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkeit (Holy Trinity Church) is an unusual work of art. Some will find this industrial piece with little warmth exceptionally ugly, while others will see it as a triumph of the contemporary over conformity. But there’s no doubting its powerful presence. It’s more commonly known as ‘Wotrubakirche’ after its architect, Fritz Wotruba, who completed it in 1976.
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Greek Orthodox Church
Built in 1861 at the behest of the Greek community, the interior of Vienna’s main Greek Orthodox church is a glittering blaze of Byzantine designs. A ceiling fresco depicting the prophets surrounded by swirls of gold is augmented by a high altar of 13 panels, each of which features sparkling gilding, and a doorway to the inner sanctum. Today, the Greek community in Vienna numbers about 10,000.
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Piaristenkirche
The Piaristenkirche (Church of the Piarist Order), or Maria Treu Church, is notable for two interior features: its ceiling frescos and its organ. The stunning frescos, completed by Franz Anton Maulbertsch in 1753, depict various stories from the Bible, while the organ holds the distinction of being used by Anton Bruckner for his entry examination into the Music Academy.
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