Before us stands the Pfarrkirche hl Thomas a testament to Vienna’s rich history. This unassuming church in Nussdorf holds secrets within its walls. It wasn’t always the grand structure we see today.
For centuries Nussdorf was part of the Heiligenstadt parish. Its inhabitants longed for their own priest. They petitioned repeatedly. Their requests fell on deaf ears until the enlightened Joseph II came to power.
Joseph II’s reforms transformed the religious landscape. He dissolved monasteries. He used their wealth to improve parish life. Nussdorf finally got its own parish in 1783. The first Advent Sunday that year marked a new era. The newly appointed parish priest was led to the Thomaskapelle.
The existing Thomaskapelle a humble Gothic chapel dating back to 1411 was deemed inadequate. A new church was necessary. Klosterneuburg Abbey purchased a building. They transformed it into a vicarage. Then they erected a new church on the site of a former press house.
Josef Gerl a renowned imperial court architect designed the building. Josef Reymund oversaw its construction. The new Pfarrkirche hl Thomas was consecrated in 1787. It’s a simple yet elegant example of architecture typical of its time. A far cry from the original modest chapel.
The interior is a treasure trove of historical artifacts. The high altar’s impressive painting of Saint Thomas is the work of Paul Haubenstricker dating to 1787. Notice the communion rail and pews. They’re salvaged from the dissolved Augustinian canons’ church in Dorotheergasse.
The church boasts a remarkable tabernacle. It’s a masterpiece of classicism crafted by Joseph Kornhäusel a prominent Biedermeier architect. This stunning piece is arguably the church’s most valuable possession. A testament to the craftsmanship of its era.
The Pfarrkirche hl Thomas wasn’t spared the ravages of time. The original Thomaskapelle suffered a devastating fire in 1790. It was converted into a school and eventually demolished in 1965. The present church however stands as a resilient reminder of Vienna’s enduring faith.
The church’s organ is another point of interest. Built around 1890 by Johann M Kauffmann it’s a mechanical tracker organ. It underwent restoration in 1987 regaining its original splendor. Its romantic sound is a joy to experience. Its intricate construction a reflection of Viennese artistry.
The Pfarrkirche hl Thomas isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to faith perseverance and the transformative power of reform. It’s a small but significant part of Vienna’s vibrant history. A place where history and faith intertwine. A quiet corner of Vienna worth exploring.