Wien Museum Virgilkapelle, Vienna Travel Guide

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Uncover Vienna's medieval past in this remarkably preserved 13th-century Gothic chapel, hidden beneath the city's bustling heart.

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Wien Museum Virgilkapelle

The Virgilkapelle, a remarkably preserved Gothic chapel, lies beneath Vienna's bustling Stephansplatz. Discovered during subway construction in 1973, this 13th-century space offers a unique glimpse into the city's medieval past and now serves as a captivating museum showcasing Viennese history.

A brief summary to Wien Museum Virgilkapelle

Stephansplatz U-Bahn-Station, Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wien Museum Virgilkapelle.

Check the Wien Museum's website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and any special exhibitions.
Consider taking a guided tour to delve deeper into the history and significance of the Virgilkapelle and medieval Vienna.
The Virgilkapelle is located within the Stephansplatz U-Bahn station, making it easily accessible by public transportation.

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Getting There

Public Transport

The Virgilkapelle is directly accessible via the Stephansplatz U-Bahn station (lines U1 and U3). Follow signs within the station to the Wien Museum Virgilkapelle. A single ride on the U-Bahn costs €3.
Walking

From St. Stephen's Cathedral, enter the Stephansplatz U-Bahn station located directly opposite the cathedral's main entrance. Follow the signs within the station to the Wien Museum Virgilkapelle. The entrance to the chapel is located within the subway station.
Taxi

Taxis can drop you off directly at Stephansplatz. From there, enter the Stephansplatz U-Bahn station and follow the signs to the Wien Museum Virgilkapelle. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between €10 and €20. Keep in mind that taxi fares have a base rate of €3.80 to €4.30, plus a per kilometer charge.

Discover more about Wien Museum Virgilkapelle

Descend beneath the vibrant Stephansplatz, into the Stephansplatz U-Bahn station, and discover the Wien Museum Virgilkapelle, a hidden portal to medieval Vienna. This subterranean chapel, one of the city's best-preserved Gothic interiors, was unearthed during the construction of the U-Bahn in 1973, after being lost for nearly 200 years.Originally built around 1220/30, the Virgilkapelle served as the foundation for the Maria Magdalena Chapel. In approximately 1246, murals and Celtic crosses were added. The chapel's history is interwoven with the city's elite, having served as a private chapel for a wealthy Viennese merchant family and later as an ossuary. The Maria Magdalena Chapel was destroyed by fire in 1781, and the Virgilkapelle was filled with rubble and forgotten.Today, the Virgilkapelle is part of the Wien Museum, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore its early Gothic architecture. Marvel at the pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate stone carvings that evoke the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. An adjacent exhibition uses multimedia to illuminate Vienna's political and social structure, as well as daily life during that time.The Virgilkapelle is accessible via the Stephansplatz subway station. A modern entrance leads visitors down to this historic space, where the contrast between the contemporary setting and the medieval architecture creates a unique and unforgettable experience.