Augustinian Church: Habsburg weddings and Gothic dignity
The Augustinian Church in Vienna is much more than a simple church – it was the setting for imperial weddings and contains the Herzgruft (Crystal Crypt), a unique relic of Habsburg history. Directly adjacent to the Vienna Hofburg then, it impresses with Gothic architecture, a long history and important works of art.
Short info:
- Where is it located? Augustinerstrasse 3, 1010 Vienna
- How do I get there? U3 Stephansplatz or U1/U2/U4 Karlsplatz, each a few minutes walk
- When is it open? Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday: 9:00 – 19:00
- How much does the entrance fee cost? Admission to the church is free; the crypt is available for a voluntary donation
- How much time should you plan for? About 30–45 minutes
- What is special about it? Site of many imperial weddings, heart crypt with Habsburg hearts
- Are there guided tours? Yes, guided tours of the Herzgruft are offered by prior arrangement
- Barrier-free access? The church is generally accessible at ground level
- Are there special services? Yes, especially the Sunday mass with classical church music is popular
History of the Augustinian Church
The Augustinian Church was built from 1327 under Duke Frederick the Fair and was closely associated with the Habsburg dynasty from the very beginning. For centuries, it served as the court parish church of the Habsburgs and was the setting for important weddings – such as that between Emperor Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth ("Sisi") in 1854.
The church was damaged during World War II, but was quickly rebuilt. Today, it is a place for visitors and worshippers alike—quiet, dignified, and with a special historical atmosphere.
The Heart Crypt
A unique feature of the Augustinian Church is the so-called Heart CryptIt is located to the left of the high altar and houses the silver urns with the Hearts of 54 HabsburgsThe most famous among them are Emperor Franz I and Empress Maria Theresa. The tradition of burying the heart separately from the body was typical of the House of Habsburg.
Access to the Heart Crypt is via an inconspicuous little door – usually as part of a guided tour or after personal registration.
Architecture and interior
The church impresses with its simple, High Gothic architecture and imposing nave. Particularly noteworthy is the tomb of Archduke Charles by sculptor Antonio Canova – an impressive neoclassical monument in the shape of a pyramid, located in a side aisle.
The high altar was designed in the historicist style, but many details of the interior – such as the pulpit, organ or side altars – date from different eras and were added over the centuries.
Music and worship services
The Augustinian Church is particularly popular for its musical masses, which take place on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Works by Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert are regularly performed, accompanied by choir, orchestra, and soloists. These masses are free to enter but very well attended, so early arrival is recommended.
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| day | opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00 – 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 8:00 – 19:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 – 18:00 |
| Thursday | 8:00 – 19:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 – 18:00 |
| Saturday | 9:00 – 19:00 |
| Sunday | 9:00 – 19:00 |
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