Remarkable isn’t it? This is the Lutherkirche. Right here in Vienna’s 18th district Währing.
This magnificent neo-Gothic structure wasn’t always known as the Lutherkirche. Originally. It was the Kaiser-Franz-Joseph-Jubiläumskirche. Named to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph I’s 50th jubilee. That was in 1898. A testament to the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s power. But after the empire’s fall in 1918. The name changed reflecting a shift in the political landscape.
The Lutherkirche. A symbol of Vienna’s rich Protestant history. It stands as one of the oldest and largest Protestant churches in Vienna. Designed by architects Theodor Bach and Ludwig Schöne. It was built between 1896 and 1898. A beautiful building it is. With a slender tower. Copper-clad since 1932/1933. The three portals on the east side are adorned with busts of Christ Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon. Notice the details. The neo-Gothic style is dominant. But you’ll find subtle touches of Romanesque style too. A blend of architectural influences.
Sadly. The Lutherkirche suffered greatly during World War II. A direct hit from a bomb on March 12 1945. The damage was immense. The large dome was in danger of collapse. Roofs were destroyed windows shattered. Doors torn out weaker walls crumbled. A testament to the war’s destructive power. It wasn’t until 1946 that temporary safety measures were taken. But it took many years of hard work and donations. Both domestic and international to fully restore the church’s beauty. A reminder that even destruction can’t extinguish faith. Inside. You’ll find a commemorative plaque. It tells the story of the restoration. A true community effort. A symbol of hope and resilience.
The interior is breathtaking. Neo-Gothic throughout. Seating for 767 people. Large staircases lead to the galleries. A monumental figure of the Preaching Christ stands at the altar. A remarkable piece dating from the late 19th century. The neo-Gothic pews lighting fixtures and panelled doors are all original. The stained-glass rose window in the choir is from 1945. A beautiful addition. The design of the brickwork windows in the nave was done by glassmaker Franz Götzner from 1951 to 1953. Further windows were added between 1962 and 1965. By Franz Déed. Finally. In 1963 Gustinus Ambrosi created the sound cover for the 19th-century pulpit the baptismal font and the communion bench. A truly collaborative effort to preserve the church’s history.
The church’s organ dates back to 1901. Created by E F Walcker & Cie. It underwent renovations in 1968/1969. Outside. The L-shaped Lutherhof. Completed in 1894/1895. Serves as the parish hall school and residential building. This is the Lutherkirche. A place of worship. A testament to history. And a beacon of faith.