10%

Churches of Vienna

By Emma-Jane Browne

October 12^th, 2017

Stephansdom

With major construction spanning over four centuries - from the 12th to the 16th, St Stephan's cathedral is an impressive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The church is imposing, with the south tower, nicknamed Steffl, standing at an impressive 136m high. The building was saved during the German forces retreat in WWII when the officer in command disregarded his orders to destroy it. Unfortunately, fires then hit the church, causing it's distinctive roof to collapse. The roof and it's 230 000 colourful tiles were replaced, representing the coats of arms of Vienna, Austria and the Habsburg dynasty.

Peterskirche

Most likely one of the oldest churches of Vienna, Peterskirche was founded in 800 by Charlemagne. The current Baroque church dates back to the 18th century.

Kapuzinerkirche & Kaisergruft

This surprisingly understated church houses the final resting place of the Habsburgs monarchs and the imperial family.

Augustinerkirche

The church, located near the Hofburg, was built in the 17th century and the gothic interior added in the 18th century. An imperial church, it was the location of several Habsburg weddings: Maria-Theresia and Francis of Lorraine, Marie-Louise and Napoleon and Franz-Joseph and Sissi. It also houses the hearts of the Habsburg rulers and a Cenotaph for archduchess Maria-Christina, sculpted by Canova.

Virgilkapelle

The underground chapel, discovered during construction of an U-Bahn line, is on of the best preserved examples of early Gothic architecture, dating back to the 13th century. The exact purpose and even the original name of the chapel is unknown, but the interior shows remains of red painted Greek crosses and even a mysterious human face.