Minoritenkirche

Vienna, Austria

The Minoritenkirche is a church built in French Gothic style in Vienna old town. The site on which the church is built was given to followers of Francis of Assisi in 1224. The foundation stone was laid by King Ottokar II of Bohemia in 1276. Duke Albrecht II later supported the building process, especially the main portal. The Gothic Ludwig choir was built between 1316 and 1328, and used as a mausoleum in the 14th and 15th centuries. Construction of the church was completed in 1350.

The whole building follows the pattern of French Cathedral architecture but the building masters are unknown. The portal follows a French pattern, rare for Austria. The Tympanum is divided by circle impacts into three fields, whereby in the middle field, Christ on a branch cross is displayed. On the left, is Mary with Mary Magdalene and other female figures; on the right, John the Evangelist, Saint Longinus the soldier, and other male figures. The outermost male and female figures could represent Duke Albrecht II and his wife Johanna of Pfirt, particularly since the male figure seems to wear a Duke hat.

The top of belltower was damaged during the first Austro-Turkish war, rebuilt, then again destroyed again during the second Austro-Turkish war; the top was then replaced by a flat roof. In the following centuries, the church remained to a large extent unchanged, only that in different wars, the tower suffered damage several times. Around 1900, the last major changes took place.

The Neo-Gothic high altar was made by Ferdinand Hohenberg. There is a life-sized copy of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper on the church's northern wall. It is a mosaic made by the Roman mosaic artist Giacomo Raffaelli, commissioned by Napoleon I in 1809, but it was not finished before Napoleon's abdication.

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Founded: 1276
Category: Religious sites in Austria

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Victor Ojeda Jr (8 months ago)
It was a beautiful church. It was my first time in Europe. Austria is a beautiful country with historic buildings and countryside. Easy to walk around. Food and drink are excellent. Will go again in the future.
Anna Pavlenko (11 months ago)
Huge, quiet, very old. Copy of Last Supper on the wall. This copy was ordered by Napoleon. Now church open every day. It has also services three times per day.
Joao Pacheco (13 months ago)
The biggest highlight being the fairly big painting of the last supper, which I found well worth the visit and a place I'd recommend anyone visiting Vienna to stop by
Tyrone (2 years ago)
The Minoritenkirche is a 13th century Gothic church that contains a life sized copy of Da Vinci’s Last Supper. It is a mosaic made by the Roman mosaic artist Giacomo Raffaelli, commissioned by Napoleon I in 1809. Randomly walked by and noticed the hallway lighting scheme and then proceeded to go in to check out the interior. I’m glad I did! Aside from the painting, the rest of the interior is also worth seeing. They do concerts and events here as well!
Oleg Naumov (2 years ago)
Early morning over Minoritenkirche or the Conventual Church of Friars Minor. First Franciscans or friars minor appeared in Vienna in 1221. Construction of church started in 1276. Choir was accomplished in 1316-1328 and construction was over in 1350. That's why church demonstrates typical Gothic appearance. Its belfry originally had gothic dome and tall spire. This spire was damaged during first siege of Vienna by Ottoman Army in 1529 but it was renovated in 1633. Dome with spire was badly damaged again during second siege of Vienna by Ottomans in 1683. This time damaged dome and spire were replaced by flat top. Vienna, ?? Austria ??. January 3, 2014.
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