Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Have you heard the story of Pfarrkirche Neusimmering?
The Pfarrkirche Neusimmering stands proudly in Simmering. It is located on Enkplatz in Vienna’s 11th district. This Roman Catholic church is a landmark. The church is under monument protection.
Let’s take a look at the history. As Simmering’s population grew in the late 19th century, the old parish church became too small. Discussions arose about building a new church. In 1872, a church building fund was established. The community provided the area of the former marketplace.
The foundation stone was laid on October 26, 1907. This happened in the presence of dignitaries. These were Vienna Mayor Karl Lueger and Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The building ground was secured in 1904.
Three designs were considered. The public chose Hans Schneider’s design. He had previously worked on the Votivkirche. Georg Löwitsch managed the execution.
After about three years, the church was consecrated. The date was December 7, 1910. Emperor Franz Joseph I and Archbishop Franz Xaver Nagl attended. The Pfarrkirche Neusimmering served as a memorial. It commemorated Franz Joseph I’s 60th anniversary as ruler. Initially, it was a branch church of the Altsimmering parish church. It became an independent parish church in 1915.
During World War II, a bomb hit the sacristy. Fourteen people died. The Pfarrkirche Neusimmering was restored in 1946 and 1947. In 1958, the high altar painting was transferred here. It is the Birth of Mary by Leopold Kupelwieser. The painting came from the Klosterneuburg monastery church.
In 1966, the spire was added to the northern church wall. It was a reminder of the old mother parish. Comprehensive renovations took place starting in 1999.
The Pfarrkirche Neusimmering has a new Romanesque style. Its towers are about 56 meters high. They are a visible landmark. The double tower facade includes an open porch. The three-nave interior can accommodate 2800 people.
The Pfarrkirche Neusimmering was among Vienna’s first reinforced concrete buildings. Ignaz Gridl executed the construction. The nave spans 15 meters. Its height is 19.65 meters. The total width of the three naves is 23.5 meters. The church interior measures 53 meters at its longest point.
Inside the Pfarrkirche Neusimmering, the current high altar was erected in 1958. Leopold Kupelwieser painted the altar image in 1833. Saint Augustine kneels in the lower left corner. Saint Leopold is in the lower right. A medallion depicts the prophet Isaiah.
The Stations of the Cross are made of bronze. The reliefs are by Simmering sculptor Josef Ailec. The mosaics on the side altars date back to 1910. Secessionist mosaics are in the arched niches. The left side shows the “Sorrowful Mother of God”. Saint Cecilia is on the right side.
Friedrich Gulda premiered his Mass in B-flat major in the Pfarrkirche Neusimmering.
Today, the Pfarrkirche Neusimmering stands as a testament to history. It is a place of worship and architectural beauty.