Augustinerkirche
The Majestic Augustinerkirche: A Spiritual Gem in Vienna
Augustinerkirche: A Habsburg Legacy in Vienna
Explore Vienna's Augustinerkirche, the Habsburgs' court church, famed for royal weddings, the Herzgruft, and Gothic architecture.
The Augustinerkirche, or Augustinian Church, is a Roman Catholic parish church located next to the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Founded in 1327, it served as the imperial court church of the Habsburg dynasty for centuries, hosting numerous royal weddings and housing the hearts of Habsburg rulers in its crypt. Its unassuming exterior belies a rich history and impressive interior.
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A brief summary to Augustinerkirche
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Wien Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take the U1 U-Bahn line towards Stephansplatz. At Stephansplatz, transfer to the U3 line and head towards Herrengasse. Get off at Herrengasse station. The church is a 5-minute walk from the station. A single ticket costs €2.40.
Walking
The Augustinerkirche is located in the Innere Stadt (1st district), easily reachable on foot from most central locations. From Stephansplatz, walk along Graben and up Dorotheergasse to reach the church. The church shares a facade with the Albertina museum and the National Library.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Vienna. A taxi from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Innere Stadt costs approximately €10-€12 and takes about 8 minutes. A taxi from Vienna International Airport to Innere Stadt will cost around €33 and take approximately 18 minutes.
Local tips
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Visit on Sunday for the 11 am High Mass, featuring a full choir and orchestra.
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After High Mass on Sundays, take a tour of the Herzgruft to see the Habsburg hearts.
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Check the church's schedule for evening classical music concerts.
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The entrance to the church is located on the Josefsplatz side.
Discover more about Augustinerkirche
The Augustinerkirche, officially St. Augustin, stands as a testament to Vienna's imperial past. Founded in 1327 by Duke Frederick the Handsome, the church initially served as a monastery for Augustinian friars. In 1634, it became the imperial court church, a role it held until the end of the Habsburg monarchy in 1918.
Over the centuries, the Augustinerkirche has been the site of numerous significant events, most notably royal weddings. These include the marriages of Maria Theresa to Francis of Lorraine (1736), Emperor Franz Joseph I to Elisabeth of Bavaria (Sisi) (1854), and even Napoleon Bonaparte to Marie Louise of Austria by proxy (1810).
While the exterior of the Augustinerkirche may appear modest, the interior boasts a harmonious Gothic design. Key features include the Canova monument, a masterpiece of classicist tomb art dedicated to Archduchess Maria Christina. The church also houses the Herzgruft (Heart Crypt) in the Loreto Chapel, containing silver urns holding the hearts of 54 Habsburg rulers. Additionally, the church has a rich musical history, with Anton Bruckner having played the organ here, and Franz Schubert conducting his Mass in F.
A brief summary to Augustinerkirche
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