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St. Michael's Church: A Blend of History and Art in Vienna

Explore Vienna's historic St. Michael's Church: a captivating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture with a fascinating crypt.

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St. Michael's Church, or Michaelerkirche, is one of Vienna's oldest churches, dating back to the Romanesque period around 1220. Located on Michaelerplatz, opposite the Hofburg Palace, it showcases a captivating mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. The church is renowned for its historical significance, stunning interior, and the crypt containing well-preserved mummies.

A brief summary to St. Michael's Church

  • Monday 7 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-10 pm
  • Friday 7 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the crypt to see the mummified remains and learn about the burial traditions of the past.
  • Attend a service to experience the church's spiritual atmosphere and hear the historic Sieber organ.
  • Take a guided tour to discover the church's history, art, and architectural styles.
  • Check the schedule for special events and concerts, especially those featuring Baroque music.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Hofburg Palace and Spanish Riding School.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    St. Michael's Church is easily accessible via Vienna's efficient public transport system. From Stephansplatz U-Bahn station (U1, U3), walk west along the Graben. Turn left onto Kohlmarkt, then continue to Michaelerplatz. The church will be directly in front of you. A single ticket costs €2.40. Alternatively, consider a day ticket for €5.80 for unlimited travel.

  • Walking

    From the Hofburg Palace, exit through St. Michael's Gate (Michaeler Tor). St. Michael's Church is located directly across Michaelerplatz. The walk is less than 2 minutes and involves no cost.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Vienna. A short taxi ride from a central location like the State Opera to St. Michael's Church will typically cost between €10 and €20, depending on traffic and the time of day. Taxi basic fee is €3.80, with per kilometer charges. Consider taxi apps for easy booking and payment.

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Discover more about St. Michael's Church

St. Michael's Church, or Michaelerkirche, stands as a testament to Vienna's rich history and architectural evolution. Construction began around 1200, with the first documented construction around 1220-1250, marking its Romanesque origins. Over the centuries, the church has been modified and expanded, incorporating Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. The present-day appearance largely dates back to 1792. Inside, the church features a Gothic nave and aisles, complemented by Baroque additions. The high altar, designed in 1782 by Jean-Baptiste d'Avrange, showcases the Rococo sculpture "Fall of the Angels" by Karl Georg Merville. The church also houses the Byzantine icon Maria Candia, held by two archangels. The side chapels display a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, with notable artworks like Franz Anton Maulbertsch's "Adoration of the Child". The Sieber organ, dating back to 1714, is the largest organ in Vienna and is especially suited for Baroque music. A highlight of St. Michael's Church is the Michaelergruft, a large crypt beneath the church. From 1631 to 1784, around 4,000 people were buried here, and the unique climatic conditions have preserved many bodies. Visitors can see hundreds of coffins, some adorned with flowers and skulls, as well as mummified corpses. Mozart's Requiem was first performed in St. Michael's Church. Today, St. Michael's Church is an active parish church looked after by the Society of Salvatorians since 1923. Visitors can attend services, explore the church's art and architecture, and take guided tours of the crypt.

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