Spitalskirche

Gazing at the Spitalskirche, did you ever imagine it as an orphanage’s spiritual heart? The Spitalskirche in Speising, Vienna, initially served the children of the Waisenhaus, an orphanage established in the 18th century. This seemingly simple church, nestled within the Orthopedic Hospital Speising, holds a rich history intertwined with the city’s evolving needs. Johann Michael Kienmayer, a textile entrepreneur, founded the original orphanage and church on Rennweg in 1742. Later, Emperor Franz Josef I relocated the orphanage to Speising, laying the foundation stone for the new Spitalskirche in 1910. The Schulbrüder, a Catholic teaching order, took charge of the orphanage and church. The serene and bright atmosphere of the Spitalskirche reflects its original purpose, offering solace and hope to the orphans. During World War II, the Nazis transformed the orphanage into a hospital and military hospital. This shift in purpose marked a turning point for the building and its role in the community. After the war, the former orphanage became part of Lower Austria’s administration. They established a hospital for lung diseases and a children’s hospital with support from Gothenburg. Finally, in 1956, the Spitalskirche and its surrounding complex were transferred to the Orthopedic Hospital. A unique feature of the Spitalskirche is the “Rondo,” a circular covered walkway leading to the main entrance. It offers a moment of quiet reflection before entering the sacred space. A 1993 renovation modernized the church while respecting its historical character. They added an enclosed walkway connecting the church to the hospital pavilions. This physical connection symbolizes the church’s continued role in supporting the healing mission of the hospital. The Spitalskirche in Speising stands as a testament to Vienna’s resilience. Its journey from an orphanage chapel to the heart of a specialized hospital reflects the city’s ever-changing landscape.