The Breitenfelder Pfarrkirche hl. Franziskus Seraphicus, named after the patron saint Francis of Assisi, stands proudly on Uhlplatz in Vienna’s Josefstadt. It is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the history of this vibrant district. It started as a mere idea, a dream to honor Emperor Franz I, who had passed away in 1835. This dream, however, met with resistance from the Archdiocese and the Schottenstift.
The church’s story began with Karl Georg Gaber, the local magistrate, who championed the cause. He believed that a memorial church would bring attention to his small and insignificant village of Breitenfeld, which was then just a suburb of Vienna. Empress Dowager Karolina Augusta, the late Emperor’s wife, was also a supporter, and she even made a substantial donation in 1835.
Despite the initial opposition, the unwavering dedication of Gaber and others led to the founding of a church construction society in 1839. The society raised funds from across the Habsburg Monarchy, and Emperor Franz Joseph I eventually granted permission for the building in 1887, years after both the Empress Dowager and Gaber had passed away.
This magnificent building, designed by Alexander Wielemans, was finally completed in 1898. It is a striking example of the Lombard early Renaissance style, built from bricks and adorned with Trientiner and Karst marble. The church’s three-nave design provides space for a congregation of 2000 to 2400 people.
The church has a unique feature: its main entrance doesn’t face Breitenfeld but rather the Gürtel, a major traffic artery. This decision, made during the church’s construction, continues to be debated today, but it is just another element that adds to the church’s rich history.
The Breitenfelder Pfarrkirche hl. Franziskus Seraphicus has weathered the storms of time, withstanding the devastation of World War II and undergoing extensive renovations in the 1950s and 1980s. Today, it remains a vibrant place of worship, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the remarkable story of its creation.