“Was du bist, das war ich; was ich bin, das wirst du sein; bitte, denk an mich.” Imagine those words etched on a gravestone. This sums up life. We stand before the Malteserkirche Hl. Johannes d. T\u00e4ufer a church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
This church has stood here for centuries. It has witnessed Vienna’s transformation. The Malteserkirche is more than stone and mortar. It is a testament to faith and history.
The first mention of a church on this site dates back to 1217. It was then a “House of the Prueder of the Order of Saint John”. This commandry cared for crusaders. The current church was built in the mid-15th century.
Saint John the Baptist is a key figure. He preached baptism. He lived an ascetic life. John baptized Christ in the Jordan River. Herod Antipas had him beheaded at the request of Herodias. Salome presented Herod with John’s head on a platter.
John is a popular saint. Many baptismal churches are dedicated to him. Artists often depict him with a beard wearing animal skin. The baptism of Christ is a common artistic theme. “Johannessch\u00fcsseln” featuring John’s head were crafted in the Middle Ages.
The Order of the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Malteser order, holds Saint John the Baptist as their patron. This church in K\u00e4rntner Stra\u00dfe is dedicated to him.
In the 17th century Abraham a Sancta Clara preached here. The church underwent Baroque renovations to fit contemporary taste. Stained glass was added in the 19th century.
Financial difficulties struck the Order after World War I. They sold the church in 1933. The church was used for other purposes. It was later bought back in 1960. Restorations occurred in stages. The final restoration was in 1998.
Inside, notice the high altarpiece. Johann Georg Schmidt painted it in 1730. The Empire marble pulpit dates back to 1806-08. It features a Maltese cross a dove and gilt rosettes.
Take a moment to appreciate the history. Think of the Knights Hospitaller. Consider the life of Saint John the Baptist. Remember his message. Remember his fate. The Malteserkirche stands as a reminder of faith sacrifice and the passage of time.