Curious about royal weddings and hidden hearts? Then you’re in the right place, standing before the Augustinerkirche. This church whispers tales of emperors, empresses, and secret traditions. Officially named St. Augustin, locals affectionately call it Augustinerkirche. It stands as a parish church and a monument to Vienna’s rich history.
Let’s journey back to 1327. Duke Frederick the Handsome, yes that was really his name, founded this church. He established a cloister for the Augustinian friars. Consecration followed in 1349. The Augustinerkirche became the parish church of the imperial court in 1634.
Imagine the Habsburgs gathering here for momentous occasions. Many royal weddings took place within these walls. Archduchess Maria Theresa married Duke Francis of Lorraine here in 1736. Archduchess Marie Louise wed Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte of France in 1810. Emperor Franz Joseph tied the knot with Duchess Elisabeth in Bavaria in 1854.
The Gothic church stretches 85 meters long and 20 meters wide. The nave spans 11 meters. Over time, as the Hofburg expanded, the Augustinerkirche became part of the complex. Though its exterior might seem inconspicuous, the interior holds treasures.
Emperor Joseph II initiated a restoration in 1784. During this time, 18 side altars were removed to bring the church back to its original Gothic style. A new side altar was added in 2004. It is dedicated to Emperor Karl I of Austria who is on the path to sainthood.
Don’t miss the pulpit designed by Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg. This white and gold wooden structure exemplifies early Gothic Revivalism. The abat-voix crowns it with a dove.
Now, let’s talk about hearts literally. The Loreto Chapel to the right of the main altar holds silver urns. These urns contain the hearts of 54 Habsburg rulers. Their bodies rest in the Imperial Crypt. This Herzgruft, or Heart Crypt, is a unique and somewhat macabre tradition.
Pause for a moment to appreciate Antonio Canova’s memorial to Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria. Sculpted in 1805, it stands as a poignant tribute.
Music fills the Augustinerkirche’s history. Franz Schubert conducted his Mass in F major here. Anton Bruckner’s Mass in F minor premiered within these walls. Today, the church continues to host sacred music concerts. Its Sunday High Mass is particularly renowned.
Consider that from 1634 to 1918, the Augustinerkirche served as the imperial-royal parish church. It was a place where emperors married and attended services. Even after Vienna became an archbishopric in 1722, archbishops processed from this church to St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Notice the unassuming walls of the Augustinerkirche. They guard centuries of history. From royal weddings to the Heart Crypt, this church encapsulates Vienna’s imperial past. As you leave, remember the stories of love, loss, and musical brilliance that echo within these walls. The Augustinerkirche is more than just a church. It is a living testament to Vienna’s enduring legacy.