Within the hallowed halls of St Stephen’s Cathedral stands the Kreuzkapelle a small chapel with a big history. This unassuming space whispers tales of centuries past. It was built between 1358 and 1362. A gift from the noble Tirna family a powerful Viennese family. Their coat of arms is still visible carved in stone on the outer wall.
Originally dedicated to Saint Morandus its patron saint. Duke Rudolf IV brought Saint Morandus’ relics from Swabia in 1358. The Tirna family held the patronage. This included the chapel and surrounding land. After their extinction in 1478 Vienna’s city council inherited it. It was later incorporated into the St Stephen’s Cathedral choir in 1518. The property eventually transferred to the Citizen’s Hospital in 1705.
Over time the chapel’s altars were replaced. A Morandus altar gave way to one dedicated to the birth of Mary. This was a donation by Dr Wilhelm Rechberger in 1651. There was also an Erasmus altar donated by Sigmund Siebenburger in 1506. A John the Evangelist altar arrived around 1510. This came from the Cathedral’s apostle choir. The chapel’s current name Kreuzkapelle or Cross Chapel came much later. A large wooden crucifix was added before 1685. This gave the chapel its current name.
Maria Theresia of Savoy-Liechtenstein oversaw a significant Baroque renovation in the 18th century. This included new features like a grille in 1731. An indulgence was granted for the new cross altar in 1744. A tabernacle was added in 1754 and a silver lamp in 1762. The chapel’s crypt became the final resting place for Maria Theresia’s husband Emanuel Thomas of Savoy. Prince Eugene of Savoy also rests here. They died in 1729 and 1736 respectively.
Further changes took place beginning in 1852. Johann Ender created a mural. This depicts the Mystery of Redemption. It was completed in 1853. The Kreuzkapelle served as the final resting place for Julius Raab in 1964. He lay in state here.
So here we stand before the Kreuzkapelle. A small chapel with a rich history. A silent witness to centuries of Viennese history and faith. It speaks of noble families religious devotion and even of prominent political figures. The Kreuzkapelle’s story is one of transformation. It is a story worth listening to.