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 viewed in the Herzgrüftel. The church hosts regular evening classical music concerts, and the 11am Mass on Sunday is celebrated with a full choir and orchestra; the choir practices on a regular basis and times are posted on the church door.