Heiligenkreuzerhof: A Hidden Viennese Courtyard

The Heiligenkreuzerhof, often referred to as Vienna's oldest apartment building, is a captivating courtyard ensemble located in the heart of Vienna's Innere Stadt. Situated between Schönlaterngasse and Grashofgasse, this hidden gem offers a tranquil escape from the city's bustling streets. Originally a merchant settlement dating back to 1030, the area was home to exporting merchants and lay outside the Roman town fortifications. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the complex came under the ownership of the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz, which still owns it today. The medieval cellar vaults are remnants of this early period. The buildings were gradually connected into a single construction after 1547. A significant portion of the Hof was rebuilt in Baroque style between 1659 and 1676, with further facade renovations completed between 1769 and 1771, giving the courtyard its present-day appearance. The Heiligenkreuzerhof comprises a complex of buildings, including the Stiftshof, Prälatur, a chapel, and residential buildings. The Bernardikapelle, consecrated in 1679, is a highlight, showcasing a high-Baroque design by Martino Altomonte and Giovanni Giuliani. The chapel is a popular wedding venue and underwent extensive renovations in the early 2000s. Today, the Heiligenkreuzerhof functions as a Durchhaus, with entrances on both Schönlaterngasse and Grashofgasse, housing private apartments and small shops.