Wondering about the story behind this small chapel? This is the Fieberkreuz. It stands as a testament to faith and gratitude.
The Fieberkreuz, also known as the Fieberkreuzkapelle, is a protected Baroque chapel. You will find it on the Sandgrubenfeld between Rothneusiedl and Hennersdorf. Specifically, it is an extension of the Poestiongasse southwest. This puts us in the 10th Viennese district, Favoriten, in the Rothneusiedl area. It is very close to the ÖBB goods center Vienna South.
Originally, field paths led to the Fieberkreuz. These paths have changed significantly. This is due to the new access road from the Wiener Außenring Schnellstraße S1. This road leads to the Güterzentrum, which has existed since 2016.
Let’s delve into the construction and history of the Fieberkreuz. The chapel features a three-sided floor plan. Atop its roof sits a one-armed cross. Look for the year 1709 on a round cartouche above the entrance. Inside, there was once a carved wooden Baroque statue of Mary. It dated back to 1790. Since 1959, the statue has been in the Oberlaa parish church. Today, a copy stands in its place within the chapel.
In 1883, Anton Kronberger, a landlord from Rothneusiedl, renovated the building. The Fieberkreuz owes its existence to a near-death experience. Dechant Cante of Laxenburg was traveling home from Vienna at night. He found himself in the swamps that once dominated this area. He and his horse and carriage were about to sink. Out of gratitude for his rescue, he commissioned this chapel. It was built on a small elevation in the swamp.
These swamps caused feverish illnesses among the population. This explains the chapel’s name. The Fieberkreuz stands as a reminder of a grateful heart. It is also a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity. Today, it offers a quiet place for reflection. It stands amidst the ever-changing landscape of Vienna’s outskirts. Take a moment to appreciate its history. Consider the stories it holds within its walls.