Curious about one of Vienna’s oldest sacred buildings? That is the Nikolaikapelle. It stands here in Hietzing. Specifically, it is within the Lainzer Tiergarten near Nikolaitor.
The Nikolaikapelle. Let us delve into its history. The chapel’s origins possibly trace back to the late 12th century. A documented mention appears in 1321. Historians believe the Nikolaikapelle was once part of a fortified medieval complex. Traces of its moat system remain visible even now. Back then, it was dedicated to Saint Nicholas.
Fast forward to 1735. The chapel underwent renovations. Three larger windows were added. However, neglect followed. By 1787, it was deconsecrated. The Napoleonic Wars in 1809 brought further damage to the Nikolaikapelle.
A turning point occurred in 1833. The area around the Nikolaikapelle became part of the Lainzer Tiergarten. Then, from 1835 to 1837, Archduke Ludwig initiated a restoration. This gave the Nikolaikapelle its current appearance. A classicist altar from the Josephskapelle in the Hofburg was installed. It then served as an imperial hunting chapel dedicated to Saint Eustachius.
Tragedy struck in 1945. The Nikolaikapelle was plundered and stripped of its interior. Recent years have seen efforts to restore its structure.
Originally, the Nikolaikapelle was a simple Romanesque structure. It had a rectangular layout and a semicircular apse. The 1735 renovation brought larger windows. It also brought blue-gray plaster and corner stone chains. The current look with a half-hipped roof and curved gable dates back to the 1835-1837 renovation.
For about 300 years, around September 20th, a Eustachius Mass has been celebrated. It is celebrated either here at the Nikolaikapelle. Or it is celebrated at the church of Mariabrunn.
Did you know that the chapel’s patron saint lent his name to several local landmarks? These include the Nikolaiberg. Also the Nikolaitor of the Lainzer Tiergarten. And even the Nikolausgasse. Plus, the Nikolaisteg over the Wienfluss. Finally, there is the Nikolaibrücke.
The Nikolaikapelle. It is more than just an old building. It is a landmark with a story etched in stone and time.