Places of Worship in Vienna

#1

Vienna’s Stephansdom (also known as St. Stephen's Cathedral) is kind of a big deal. As the national emblem of Austria, it attracts over 1 million visitors every year. And rightfully so – at over 800 years old, it’s home to some of the country’s most interesting historical and architectural sights. The High Altar, which took seven years to build in the 17th century, is just one of 18 altars inside the impressive Gothic and Romanesque structure. The red marble tomb of Emperor Frederick III is decorated with more than 240 statues - that's 6.667 statues for every year of his reign as Holy Roman Emperor. If your tastes extend to the more macabre, visit the catacombs, built during the 1735 Bubonic plague they're, erm, 'home' to over 11,000 skeletons.

#2

Stift Klosterneuburg is a 12th-century Augustinian Monastery that overlooks the Danube River. It was the residence of the Babenbergs, and the Habsburgs, giving it an important place in the story of Austria’s birth. It's easy to reach by bus, train or car, and Vienna Sightseeing tour buses go from Vienna to Stift Klosterneuburg at regular intervals.

#3

Discover a lovely church showcasing Baroque architecture and a relic of St. Anne

#4

The Church of Mariahilf is a Baroque parish church in Vienna. It is located in the 6th district and was originally built between 1686–1689 - and later redesigned in 1715.

#5

Karlskirche - St. Charles' Church in Vienna - St. Charles Borromeo - is considered the most important sacred building north of the Alps. It was built at the behest of Emperor Charles VI in 1716, after the last great plague epidemic, and was completed in 1737. In 1741, Antonio Vivaldi was buried right next to the Karlskirche. It was the imperial patron church until 1918. Today, you can experience authentic concerts in the Karlskirche with the Orchestra 1756 and its soloists playing baroque instruments.

#6

Melk Abbey is a remarkable Benedictine abbey, towering over the town of Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley. You might look at the abbey's Baroque grandeur and wonder if it's all a little excessive for people of the cloth. The abbey you see today was actually built in the early 18th century as a royal palace, on the site of an ancient monastery. The abbey is well known for its library, which houses over 100,000 rare and valuable books. The main hall shows off just a percentage, but you certainly get the idea as you gaze at 16,000 volumes and a wonderfully frescoed ceiling. You can take in centuries of art and religious antiquity on a guided tour of this magnificent monastery.

#7

Listen to classical music, experience global orchestras or marvel at solo virtuosos while in Vienna

#8

Peterskirche, or St. Peter's Church, is a Roman Catholic church in the heart of Vienna, Austria. This imposing Baroque monument was built in the early 18th century, and boasts a large domed ceiling with enormous columns flanking the entrance. Entrance to the church, which was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, is free. To really experience its grandeur, visitors can enjoy an evening with the Classic Ensemble Vienna, who perform seamless interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, and others.

#9

Enjoy classical music, explore a historical site, and learn about the Habsburg family.