More than just places of worship, churches hold onto remnants of the past through their history, architecture and art. Predominantly Christian, Vienna in particular is filled with a number of these great monuments, all of which were examples of the finest architecture and design of their time. If you’re into music, these churches also regularly host orchestras and symphonies. Here is our list of the most beautiful churches in Vienna, all of which are worth a visit:
St. Stephen's Cathedral
One of the most prominent symbols of Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a 12th-century Gothic cathedral. So symbolic it is that even Manner Schnitten, a famous and popular Austrian confectionery, uses its likeness in their logo. One of its most striking features is its roof, inlaid with colorful tiles, creating a double-headed eagle (the imperial insignia), as well as Vienna’s coat of arms. Ascend the towers (there are two; we recommend going for the shorter one—it has a lift!) for a wonderful view of Vienna.
Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, Austria
Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles)
Karlskirche is a Baroque church located a stone’s throw away from the opera house, the last work of the prominent baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The cupola is perhaps its crowning glory, with opulent frescoes adorning it. A panoramic elevator lifts visitors up to a height of 32.5 meters, allowing a closer inspection of these frescoes.
Address: Kreuzherrengasse 1, 1040 Wien, Austria
Votivkirche (Votive Church)
Standing at 99 m, this Neo-Gothic church is the second-tallest in Vienna, constructed as a symbol of gratitude for Emperor Franz Joseph’s survival on an assasination attempt. It was consecrated in 1879, which was the imperial couple’s silver jubilee. The main altar is magnificent, as is the rose window, a typical indicator of this style of architecture.
Address: Rooseveltplatz, 1090 Wien, Austria
Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church)
Another one of the city’s splendid churches, this 18th-century baroque church was designed by the famous baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, and is crowned with an ornate dome. The church is filled with intricate and beautiful pieces of baroque art, with the main altar piece portraying the Healing of the Lame by St. Peter and St. John in Jerusalem. Drop by for the organ recitals, which are held daily.
Address: Petersplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
Annakirche (St. Anne’s Church)
The facade of the church may look plain, but don’t let that fool you. One step in and you’ll be wowed by the colourful ceiling frescos and the high altar painting, with gold accents all around. A prime example of the beauty of baroque architecture, St. Anne’s Church is a favourite spot for classical concerts, of which are held several times a week.
Address: Annagasse 3B, 1010 Wien, Austria
Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church)
Like Annakirche, the exterior of Jesuitenkirche, also known as Universitätskirche (University Church), is austere, its most striking feature being its double towers. However, inside tells a much different story, with its ersatz marble columns, florid ceiling frescoes and lavish gilding. Look out especially for the trompe l'oeil dome, a masterpiece by Andrea Pozzo.
Address: Doktor-Ignaz-Seipel-Platz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
Minoritenkirche (Friars Minor Conventual Church)
Opened in the 14th century, this church belongs to the city’s Italian congregation. The spire was destroyed twice in the course of history; first by a fire, and then in the Turkish siege in 1683, it was then replaced with a flat roof. A life-sized, mosaic copy of da Vinci’s Last Supper, lies inside the church. Initially commissioned by Napoleon, it was then bought by Francis II of Austria, and eventually donated to the church by Emperor Ferdinand I.
Address: Minoritenplatz 2A, 1010 Wien, Austria
Ruprechtskirche (St. Rupert's Church)
While not quite as opulent or grand as the other churches on this list, Ruprechtskirche is the oldest, dating as far back as the 8th century. The architectural style is Romanesque, and it is dedicated to St. Rupert, the patron saint of salt miners and Salzburg. Both the bells and glass window panes date back to the 13th to 14th century, and are the oldest in Vienna. This rustic church located right in the historic core makes for an interesting contrast between the old and new worlds of Vienna.
Address: Ruprechtsplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
