Pfarrkirche

Nestled on St.-Ulrichs-Platz, the Pfarrkirche hl. Ulrich und Maria Trost, or simply St. Ulrich’s Church, awaits. This Baroque beauty holds centuries of Viennese stories within its walls. St. Ulrich’s Church isn’t just a pretty facade. It’s a testament to the rich history of Vienna’s Neubau district. The church stands on a slope, perched between Burggasse and Neustiftgasse. Its two-tower facade faces Neustiftgasse, a grand entrance to a sacred space. The story begins long before the current structure, with a humble chapel consecrated way back in 1211. This small chapel, also dedicated to St. Ulrich, was the seed from which the current church grew. Fast forward to 1699, a Gnadenbild, a revered image of Mary, arrived at the parish. This image, inspired by a similar one near Graz, became a focal point of devotion. Then, in 1721, construction began on the grand Baroque church we see today. Architect Josef Reymund designed the hall church, complete with its two iconic towers. The church wasn’t finished overnight. The main structure was completed in 1724. But further buildings were added in 1752, and the final touch, the towers, were completed in 1771. Look closely at the southern facade. You’ll see two recessed towers topped with tent roofs. Originally, these were onion domes, a common feature of Baroque architecture. At the church’s main entrance, stone figures stand guard. These figures depict Saints Benedict, Ulrich, Aloysius, and Johannes Nepomuk, created by sculptor Franz Xaver Seegen. Seegen also crafted the figure of St. Ulrich that adorns the facade. Inside, the church is a feast for the eyes. Altars of red stucco marble, created in the latter half of the 18th century, contrast with the white figures sculpted by Seegen. The altarpiece, a masterpiece by Paul Troger painted in 1750, depicts the Vision of St. Ulrich at the Battle of Lechfeld. St. Ulrich’s Church is more than just a visual delight. It also boasts a rich musical heritage. In 1825, Schubert’s Mass No. 4 was performed within these walls, enhanced by an expanded orchestration. The church’s organ, built in 1842 by Josef Loyp and restored in 1979, continues to fill the space with sacred sounds. St. Ulrich’s Church stands as a beacon of faith and a testament to Viennese artistry. Its story, woven from centuries of devotion and architectural brilliance, continues to unfold on St.-Ulrichs-Platz.