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St. Michael's Church in Vienna

St. Michael's Church in Vienna

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Michaelerkirche or Parish of St. Michael in Vienna

St. Michael's Church, officially known as the Parish Church of St. Michael, is one of Vienna's oldest churches and has shaped the cityscape at Michaelerplatz for centuries. Built around 1220, it combines various architectural styles and offers visitors a deep insight into the city's history and architecture.

Short info:

Address: Michaelerplatz 5, 1010 Vienna (directly opposite the Michaelertrakt)
Opening hours: Daily 7:00–22:00; Sundays and public holidays 8:00–22:00
Church services: Monday to Saturday at 6:00 PM; Sundays and public holidays at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Accessibility: Main entrance is step-free; guide dogs are permitted
Special feature: Guided tours of the historic crypt are available by appointment.

Historical overview

St. Michael's Church was built around 1220 and elevated to a parish church in 1288. Originally conceived as a Romanesque basilica, it underwent numerous remodelings over the centuries, incorporating Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. The Neoclassical west façade, completed in 1792, is particularly striking. Until 1784, the church served as a court parish church and was closely associated with the imperial court. Today, it is cared for by the Salvatorian order.

Architecture and works of art

The church's interior impresses with a blend of different architectural styles. The nave retains its Gothic structure, while the side chapels feature Baroque decorations. The high altar, created by Jean Baptiste d'Avrange in 1782, features a monumental relief of the Fall of the Angels by Karl Georg Merville. A special highlight is the Sieber organ from 1714, which, after extensive restoration, can be experienced in its original sound.

The Michaeler Crypt

Beneath the church lies the St. Michael's Crypt, where approximately 4,000 people were buried between 1560 and 1784. Thanks to the special climate, many of the bodies and coffins were exceptionally well preserved. Guided tours of the crypt offer a fascinating insight into the burial culture of past centuries and are available by prior appointment.

Events and music

St. Michael's Church is not only a place of prayer, but also a center for church music. Concerts are held regularly, showcasing the historic organ and the impressive acoustics of the space. Of particular note is that parts of Mozart's Requiem were first publicly performed here on December 10, 1791.