St. Johannes der Täufer

Gazing at St. Johannes der Täufer, have you ever pondered its dual dedication? This seemingly simple church, nestled on the slopes of Kapuzinerberg, honors not one, but two Saint Johns: John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. St. Johannes der Täufer, first documented in 1319, whispers tales of devotion and transformation. Originally Romanesque, the church underwent a Baroque makeover in the 17th century under Archbishop Max Gandolf von Kuenburg, gaining its charming onion-dome tower. Inside, the ceiling, painted by Andrѐ Langwieder in 1772, reveals a captivating illusion: a faux dome depicting the head of John the Baptist, encircled by angels. The high altar, erected around 1775, showcases an intriguing blend of old and new. The altarpiece, painted before 1700, portrays John the Baptist baptizing Christ. Later, an image of God the Father was added above, completing the scene. Flanking the altar are statues of Saints Florian and Rosalia, crafted by Johann Georg Hinzl, while above, Saints Anthony and John Nepomuk keep watch. St. Johannes der Täufer has also served as a pilgrimage site, home to a replica of the Madonna image from Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, known as Maria Schnee. The church was especially bustling on the feast days of both Saint Johns – June 24th and December 27th. The church also housed various brotherhoods, including one formed in 1756 by the Archbishop’s household staff, known as the Heiducken. Their dedicated altar resides in the south chapel, its altarpiece painted by Franz Nikolaus Streicher and figures sculpted by Johann Georg Hitzl. The north altarpiece depicts Christ’s crucifixion, accompanied by Saints Francis of Assisi and Helena. The south altarpiece portrays the death of Saint Joseph, with the two Saint Johns standing sentinel. Recent restorations, spearheaded by Johannes Neuhardt, have unveiled the church’s inner beauty, allowing St. Johannes der Täufer to shine once more, a testament to faith and history.