The twin towers of Pfarrkirche Baumgarten pierce the Viennese sky. Their octagonal shape is striking. They stand sentinel over the Gruschaplatz. This is the heart of Baumgarten a neighborhood in Vienna’s 14th district Penzing.
This beautiful church dedicated to Saint Anna has a rich history. It’s more than just a pretty building. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and Viennese artistry. The Pfarrkirche Baumgarten you see before you wasn’t the first church here. A much older church stood on this site. That earlier church a late Gothic structure suffered damage during the Turkish sieges of Vienna. It was rebuilt and expanded in the mid-18th century. It served the community for over a century.
Then came the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s reign. In 1898 a church building association was formed. Their goal was ambitious: a completely new church. This was to be a grander more fitting structure for the growing community of Baumgarten.
Construction of the current Pfarrkirche Baumgarten began in 1906. It was completed in 1908. The architect Moritz Otto Kuntschik cleverly blended Neuromanic and Heimatstil styles. The result is unique. It’s instantly recognizable. The old church was demolished that same year.
Notice the Triumphal Arch-like portico at the main entrance. It’s a majestic feature. The interior is equally impressive. The apse boasts stunning murals. These were painted by Hans Zatzka in 1908. They depict Saint Anna along with other saints. Zatzka even included the church’s architect and those who supported its construction. Look closely below. You will see six medallions. These were added later in 1950 by Karl Pellmann. They showcase important Austrian saints.
Much of the church’s furnishings date from its construction. One standout piece is the crucifix. It’s the work of Ferdinand Stuflesser a South Tyrolean sculptor. The Marienkapelle houses a beautiful 18th-century copy of the Mariahilf devotional image. Also note a Gothic high relief of Anna selbdritt. It’s attributed to the Viennese stonemason Michel Tichter. This piece and an altar painting from around 1700 showing Anna guiding Mary both came from the old Pfarrkirche Baumgarten. These are reminders of the church’s deep roots in the community.
The organ above the vestibule is a magnificent instrument. Created by Rieger Orgelbau in 1977 it boasts over 28 registers. This speaks to the church’s importance as a center for music and worship. The Pfarrkirche Baumgarten has undergone several restorations. These kept this beautiful building in top condition. From the 1920s through the 1960s and even in 2003 when the roof tiles were replaced. This ensuring that future generations can continue to admire this architectural marvel and experience the spirit of faith that it represents. The Pfarrkirche Baumgarten stands proudly. It’s a beacon for the community. It is also a testament to the enduring spirit of Vienna.