Background

Wotrubakirche: A Brutalist Masterpiece in Vienna

Discover Vienna's Wotrubakirche: A stunning example of Brutalist architecture and a testament to faith and artistic vision in the Liesing district.

4.5

The Wotrubakirche, or Church of the Most Holy Trinity, is a unique Catholic church in Vienna's Liesing district. Designed by sculptor Fritz Wotruba and completed in 1976, its brutalist architecture, featuring 152 irregularly stacked concrete blocks, stands in stark contrast to Vienna's traditional churches.

A brief summary to Wotrubakirche - Katholische Kirche zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkeit

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they are limited to weekends and holidays.
  • Combine your visit with a hike on the Georgenberg or in the Wienerwald for scenic views.
  • Visit during the late afternoon to witness the stunning play of light and shadow inside the church.
  • Consider visiting during a service to experience the church's spiritual atmosphere.
  • Note that the church's design includes steps; however, a lift provides barrier-free access.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Vienna, take the U4 subway line to Hietzing station. From Hietzing, transfer to tram line 60 towards Rodaun and get off at Maurer Hauptplatz. From Maurer Hauptplatz, take bus 60A to either the Kaserngasse or Lindauergasse stop. From either bus stop, it's a short walk (approximately 5 minutes) to the Wotrubakirche, following signs for Ottillingerplatz. A single Vienna public transport ticket costs €2.40.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from central Vienna to the Wotrubakirche will take approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €20-€30. Be sure to specify 'Wotrubakirche, Ottillingerplatz 1, 1230 Wien' as your destination.

  • Driving

    From the city center, follow signs towards the A23 Südosttangente. Exit at Breitenfurter Straße and continue towards Mauer. Follow Breitenfurter Straße, then turn onto Rodauner Straße. After the hilltop, turn left onto Anton Kriegergasse, continue to the end, turn right, and then take the next left. Follow signs to Ottillingerplatz. Limited parking is available near the church. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €2-3 per hour.

Unlock the Best of Wotrubakirche - Katholische Kirche zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkeit

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Wotrubakirche - Katholische Kirche zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkeit

The Wotrubakirche, formally known as the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, is an architectural marvel located on the Georgenberg in Vienna's 23rd district, Liesing. Completed in 1976, this extraordinary structure is a testament to the vision of Austrian sculptor Fritz Wotruba and the remarkable story behind its creation. Wotruba, a prominent figure in 20th-century Austrian sculpture, designed the church as a result of a vow made by Margarethe Ottillinger, a senior civil servant who had been abducted and imprisoned in a Soviet labor camp. Ottillinger chose the site of former Nazi barracks, wanting the new church to make a bold religious and artistic statement during a time of increasing secularization. The Wotrubakirche is a prime example of Brutalist architecture, characterized by its raw, unadorned concrete surfaces and monumental scale. The church is constructed from 152 individual concrete blocks, each varying in size and weight, arranged in a seemingly chaotic yet ultimately harmonious composition. These blocks, weighing up to 141 tons each, are stacked upon one another to form a structure that defies traditional notions of church architecture. The interior is surprisingly bright, with clear glass windows allowing light to filter through the gaps between the blocks, creating a unique interplay of light and shadow. The altar is made of artificial marble, and the bronze crucifix is a copy of one Wotruba designed for a church in Germany. The apparent randomness of the design coalesces into a unit, perhaps a metaphor for a diverse community. Visiting the Wotrubakirche is an experience that transcends mere sightseeing. It is an opportunity to engage with a unique and thought-provoking work of art, to contemplate the relationship between architecture and spirituality, and to appreciate the power of human creativity.

Popular Experiences near Wotrubakirche - Katholische Kirche zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkeit

Popular Hotels near Wotrubakirche - Katholische Kirche zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkeit

Select Currency