Description

Essentials about the Votivkirche in brief

The Votivkirche in Vienna is considered one of the most important neo-Gothic sacred buildings in the world. Located on Vienna’s Ringstrasse, the so-called “Ringstrasse Cathedral” is 99 meters high, making it the second highest church in Vienna after St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

The history of the Votivkirche

The construction of the Votivkirche at the end of the 19th century is connected with the failed assassination attempt on the young Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1853. After the assassination attempt, the Emperor’s brother, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, called for donations “in gratitude for the salvation of His Majesty” in order to build a new church in Vienna. The church was to be built as a gift of gratitude (votive offering – hence the name) from the peoples of the monarchy for the salvation of Franz Joseph. In fact, around 300,000 citizens responded to the call for donations.

The museum of the Votivkirche

The church also houses a museum. The most outstanding exhibit is the so-called “Antwerp Altar”, which is considered the most important preserved work of art of this genre. It was begun in Brussels in the middle of the 15th century and completed in Antwerp a little later.

Website

votivkirche.at

Opening hours

Admission fees

Admission fees for the museum in the Votivkirche:

Adults: €3.90

Concessions: €2.90

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

U2: Stop Schottentor

Tram lines 1, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 71 and D: Stop Schottentor

Bus lines 1A, 25N, 38N, 41N, 43N, 60N and 66N: Stop Schottentor

By car:

The nearest parking garage is Parkgarage Votivkirche.