Augustinerkirche

The Augustinerkirche (Augustinian Church) is a notable 14th-century palace church located on Josefsplatz in Vienna.

Completed in 1339, the Augustinerkirche was built within the Hofberg complex to serve the imperial court. It hosted royal burials and weddings and served as the departure point for jubilee processions and pilgrimages.

Among the many Habsburg weddings that took place in Augustinerkirche were those of Maria Theresa to Francis Stephen of Lorraine in 1736, Marie Antoinette to Louis XVI of France in 1770, Marie-Louise of Austria to Napoléon in 1810 (by proxy - he didn't show up), and Franz Joseph to Elisabeth of Bavaria in 1854.

The Gothic interior of the church dates from a restoration in the 18th century, which removed Baroque embellishments to bring it closer to its original appearance.

The view of the interior from the entrance is lovely and harmonious, with white-painted vertical lines, ribbed vaults, and hanging chandeliers.

The 1805 tomb of Maria Christina, the favorite daughter of Maria Theresa, is in the main nave near the rear entrance. The richly ornamented tomb, which shows the deceased and her family entering a temple, is a masterpiece of Antonio Canova. The princess is not actually buried here, however - her final resting place is the Imperial Crypt.

The Loreto Chapel and the 1337 Chapel of St. George are open to the public only after mass (about 12:30pm) on Sunday, Monday, or on guided tours. The Loreto Chapel to the right of the high altar shelters silver urns containing the hearts of Habsburg rulers, which can be viewed through a window in an iron door.

Attending mass at the Augustinerkirche is highly recommended and can be the highlight of a trip to Austria. Every Sunday at 11am, June through September, is a spectacular organ mass, which regularly features Haydn or Mozart. Arrive as early as 45 minutes in advance to ensure a seat.