Ever noticed how this seemingly simple facade holds a story of survival and devotion? This is the Pfarrkirche Johannes Nepomuk. It is a Roman Catholic parish church in Vienna’s second district, Leopoldstadt. Locals often just call it the Nepomukkirche.
Let’s dive into its past. The story of Pfarrkirche Johannes Nepomuk begins with a picture of the Virgin Mary. This wasn’t just any picture. Housed in Jägerzeile No. 7, it was a copy of the revered Maria Pötsch image from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. People called it “Rosa mystica in der Jägerzeile”.
In 1729 a fire swept through the area. But miraculously, the image remained untouched. People saw this as a sign. They started to worship it. The image was moved to a tree. Soon a wooden chapel was built around it.
Between 1730 and 1731, a plague swept through the city. Yet, the residents of Jägerzeile were spared. Then, in 1734, a violent storm shattered the tree, but the image remained unharmed. These events fueled the image’s fame. Residents built a stone chapel. It was completed in 1736. This chapel was dedicated to Saint John Nepomuk.
By 1780, the chapel was in the way of traffic. It was replaced by a new building designed by Franz Duschinger. This new church was consecrated on March 17, 1782. In 1786, it became a parish church.
Vienna’s population grew. A larger church was needed. The church was torn down in 1840. Carl Rösner rebuilt it between 1841 and 1846. The new church was consecrated on October 18, 1846. But misfortune struck again. In 1945, bombs damaged the Pfarrkirche Johannes Nepomuk.
The Pfarrkirche Johannes Nepomuk represents early Historicism architecture. Its blocky, cubic structure faces Praterstrasse. Its facade is decorated with a tower. The church features a flat facade with delicate decorations. The exterior has five bays and a two-story structure. There is a three-story polygonal facade. Above the three church portals is a large arched window. Niches on either side hold statues. Saint Ferdinand by Franz Bauer is in one. Saint Anne by Josef Klieber is in the other.
Inside, a three-axis vestibule welcomes visitors. The main hall is divided into three naves and three bays. The ribbed vaulting features Quattrocento-Byzantine forms.
The high altar is made of marble. It displays the image of Mary. Leopold Kupelwieser painted a fresco between 1841 and 1844. It shows Saint John Nepomuk ascending to heaven. Leopold Schulz painted the side walls of the transept. To the left is the Adoration of the Shepherds from 1845. To the right is the Resurrection of Christ from 1846.
A Mariahilf image hangs on the left wall. It is a copy of Lucas Cranach the Elder’s work in Innsbruck. Joseph Fühich created the Stations of the Cross. They are 14 fresco paintings.
The church organ was built in 1989. The Oberösterreichische Orgelbauanstalt St. Florian made it. It was consecrated in 1990. The organ case is a protected monument. Franz Capek created it in 1896 for the town parish church in Krems. It was moved here later.
So, as you stand here, remember the Pfarrkirche Johannes Nepomuk. It is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith. It is a symbol of resilience. It is a place of peace in a bustling city.