Vienna Votivkirche

The majestic Votiv Kirche (Votiv Church) is one of the most important neo-Gothic sacred buildings in the world. One of its main exterior features is its twin 99-meter spire-shaped towers.

History

In 1853, Emperor Franz Joseph was attacked with a knife in an assassination attempt. Following his survival, his brother started a campaign to build a church on the site of the attack, as a thanks to god for saving his life.

Work began that year, and the church was opened in 1879 on the silver wedding anniversary of the Emperor and his wife, Empress Elisabeth.

Inside the church

As can be seen from its imposing exterior, the interior of the Votive Church is characterised by soaring vaulted ceilings. Light floods in through its enormous arched windows and it has a generally airy and elegant feel.

Inside, admire the church's eye-catching altar, an elaborately carved piece inspired by Italian Gothic architecture. The Renaissance-style tomb of Nikla Salm, who defended Vienna during the Turkish siege in 1529, is also housed in the church, and the highlight of its museum is the Antwerp Altar which dates back to 1460.

Another interesting part of the interior of the Votive Church of Vienna is the altar of the Virgin of Guadalupe, built in commemoration of the Emperor of Mexico, the brother of Franz Joseph. Here, you'll find the so-called "Barbarian Candle" standing at 4 meters high (13 feet), 3 meters wide (10 feet) and weighing 264 kg (582 lbs), it is said that it could last a hundred years lit.