Vienna Week – Day 4

Today, we continue to explore the wonders of Vienna by looking at a number of the churches that we have visited. In the innere stadt there are numerous beautiful cathedrals and churches. During our visits we try to stop off at different cathedrals to take in the artwork and architecture.

Near the very center of the innere stadt, situated on the Stephansplatz, is the Stephansdom, a massive cathedral that has incredible ornate architecture in primarily a Gothic-style. The roof has ornate tile-work that demonstrates the amount of time and effort put into the cathedral. Inside the cathedral are expansive ceiling heights, incredible stonework, ornate carvings, impressive artwork and triptychs, and a beautiful stained glass window and altar situated at the front. The cathedral is also the seat of the Austrian archdiocese, making it historically and religiously significant.

 

Between the Stephansplatz and the Danube is St. Ruperts Cathedral, a small, but lovely cathedral covered in vines. The inside is simple, with only a couple stain glass windows at the front and a large hanging cross. The room is covered in only white plaster and the sun light shining in the stained glass windows. The floor is covered in old stones and the foundation cornerstone reads 1439. Other elements of the cathedral are even older, and it is considered by many to be the oldest cathedral in Vienna.

 

Another lovely little church is the Katholische Kirche Malteserkirche or Maltese church, a small church with plain white walls, a singled stained-glass window, and a beautiful ornate centerpiece on the altar.

Just down the street is the Kapuzinerkloster or Capuchin Church, that also donned white walls, but has stunning wood-work and artwork all along the front, and art plates along the sides. This church also houses a crypt in which many members of the Habsburg family are buried.

Katholische Kirsche St. Peter’s giant green dome soars above many of its neighboring buildings. It’s located just a couple blocks from the Stephansdom, and there is evidence that suggests it is one of the oldest churches in Vienna. The Baroque church is intricately decorated inside with soaring ceilings.

Katholische Kirche St. Michael stands in the shadow of the Hofburg Palace, the winter residence of the Habsburgs. The church is more unassuming than some of the others, with the only hint that it is a church being the large, but plain spire. The interior is largely white with minimal decor, except for the intricate altar, drawing visitors’ attention to the front of the church.

 

The Votivkirche is located near the Rathaus and was built in celebration of a failed assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Josef. The Neo-Gothic church has intricate details surrounding it, but the most magnificent part is probably the church’s twin spires, wonderfully ornate, that seem to glow at night.

 

Karlskirche is located just beyond the Ringstraße near the Vienna Staatsoper. The Baroque church has elements of classical style on the exterior, with a large columned portico as the church’s entrance and two obelisks looming over the facade. In stark contrast to the bright white church is the green dome in the center of the church–on the interior, this dome houses a beautiful fresco. The interior is cavernous, with rich details encircling visitors.