Could a church be more than just a building? St. Johannes der Täufer, also known as the Maltese Church, whispers tales of more than just faith. It stands on Kärntner Straße in Vienna’s Innere Stadt. A church has existed on this site since 1217. It served as a “House of the Brüder of the Order of Saint John”. It provided care and support for crusaders. The church we see today, St. Johannes der Täufer, largely dates from the mid-15th century. It has been reshaped by time and history. The Baroque era left its mark. Further renovations occurred in 1806. During the 19th century, stained glass was added to the Kommendenhaus (1839) and parts of the church (1857).
St. Johannes der Täufer faced a crisis after the First World War. Financial troubles forced the Knights Hospitaller to sell the church and the Johanneshof in 1933. The church, protected by a historical preservation order, was used for various purposes. The Knights Hospitaller, recognizing its significance, repurchased it in 1960. A series of restorations in 1968, 1972, and 1983–84 brought it back to life. A final restoration in 1998 ensured its preservation for future generations.
Inside St. Johannes der Täufer, treasures await. The high altarpiece, painted by Johann Georg Schmidt in 1730, commands attention. The pulpit, an Empire-style marble masterpiece, dates from the 1806-08 reconstruction. Look closely. You’ll see a Maltese cross, a dove, and gilded rosettes adorning it. The famed preacher Abraham a Sancta Clara favored this church in the 17th century. Imagine his booming voice echoing through these hallowed halls.