Kapelle St. Rochus

Hidden within Vienna’s 14th district, the Kapelle St. Rochus stands as a testament to resilience and faith. This unassuming chapel, nestled on Penzinger Straße, holds centuries of stories within its walls. The Kapelle St. Rochus, dedicated to Saints Roch and Sebastian, patron saints of plague sufferers, emerged from a plea for funds by Pfarrer Georg Einwang around 1660. The original structure, a simple building with a shingled hipped roof and a low tower, was likely designed by Georg Gerstenbrandt. Tragically, the Kapelle St. Rochus fell victim to the Ottoman destruction during the 1683 siege of Vienna. Yet, like the city itself, the chapel rose from the ashes, rebuilt as a beacon of hope. In the 18th century, Viennese merchants Johann Perinet and Johann Nikola recognized the chapel’s significance and funded its renovation. Further restoration took place between 1842 and 1845, solidifying its place in the community. Inside the Kapelle St. Rochus, a striking high altar draws the eye. Dating back to 1739, it features a crucifixion group and a painted backdrop, culminating in the “Eye of God” radiating in a golden halo. A side altarpiece, painted by Johann Nepomuk Höfel in 1844, portrays St. Roch. The chapel also boasts a classical style pulpit, adding to its artistic richness. Even the organ holds a story. Built in 1794 by Joseph Effinger, a Bratislava-based organ builder originally from Mannheim, it fills the chapel with music, echoing through time. Today, the Kapelle St. Rochus serves not only the Roman Catholic Parish Penzing St. Jakob but also, since 1995, the Romanian Greek Catholic Church. It stands as a symbol of shared faith and cultural exchange within the vibrant tapestry of Vienna.