“Did you know the Pfarrkirche Ober-St.-Veit has seen centuries unfold?” I ask my intrigued audience.
This beautiful late Baroque church stands proudly on Wolfrathplatz in Vienna’s 13th district Hietzing. It’s more than just a pretty building though. It’s a living testament to Vienna’s rich and often turbulent past. The Pfarrkirche Ober-St.-Veit has stood the test of time. Its foundation lies on the remains of a fortified Gothic church. This older structure was once part of a larger defensive complex. Can you imagine its role during the tumultuous times of the past?
The Pfarrkirche Ober-St.-Veit’s history stretches back to 1260-1298. Records show it existed as a parish church then. In 1365 it came under the ownership of St. Stephen’s Cathedral Chapter. The church has seen its fair share of hardship. During the Turkish wars it was damaged by fire in 1529. It was restored in 1660 but suffered further damage in 1683.
Then came a significant transformation. Between 1742 and 1745 Mathias Gerl redesigned the church. He cleverly incorporated the existing choir tower and parts of the nave. Archbishop Cardinal Sigismund von Kollonitz sponsored the renovation. A fascinating detail is the crypt under the choir. Sealed off in 1904 it has been accessible again since the last interior renovation around 2000.
The Pfarrkirche Ober-St.-Veit boasts stunning artwork too. The high altar from 1745 showcases a painting The Martyrdom of Saint Vitus by Fra Agostino a San Luca. The side altars present other captivating pieces. Gaetano de Rosa created the paintings Assumption of Mary and Glory of Saint Joseph in 1744. Franz Anton Tschungko contributed Saint Anne teaches Mary to Read. The organ from 1932 is a masterpiece crafted by Johann M Kauffmann.
In 1994 architect Hermann Bauer added a new baptistery. It replaced an older one built in 1965. The new baptistery is larger and also serves as a weekday chapel. It’s accessible both from inside the church and through a separate glazed entrance. Its ceiling is a stepped wooden construction following the golden ratio. The floor is laid with Greek marble. The altar and pulpit are the work of Lienz artist Peter Niedertscheider. They’re made of Wachau marble and display remarkable detail.
The Pfarrkirche Ober-St.-Veit stands as a powerful symbol. It shows resilience through war and devastation. It represents faith and artistic excellence. It’s a place where history and beauty merge. The church’s significance extends far beyond its architectural grace. It speaks volumes about the enduring spirit of Vienna. Let us pause for a moment to appreciate this remarkable landmark. It’s a treasure to be cherished and explored.