Augustinerkirche
Located at Josefsplatz,
one of the most beautiful squares in Vienna
Founded by Frederick the Handsome in the 14th century,
this official church of the Habsburg court has seen many an imperial wedding -
among others, in 1810 the nuptials of French emperor Napoleon
to the Habsburg princess Marie Luise
Today it is probably best known
for a magnificent white marble sculpture of Antonio Canova
at the tomb of Archduchess Marie Christina,
a beloved daughter of Empress Maria Theresa.
A small crypt with more than four dozen hearts
of the imperial Habsburgs, kept in silver urns,
also seems to attract a fair share of visitors
High mass on Sundays
Heavenly voices of the church choir,
with full orchestra and organs, fill the nave -
if you love musica sacra, this is where you want to be
Photographed Sunday 7 June 2015
Images and Text © by Merisi
-> For regular updates of events, visit the Augustinerkirche Facebook Page
-> Augustinian Church of Vienna at Wikipedia
I used to hear a very young Martin Haselböck at the Augustinerkirche when they used to undertake a fresh Haydn mass each week. (Perhaps they still do?)
ReplyDeleteThe church looks marvellous as does the organ casework. But then I'm always dazzled by how luminous old Vienna is when given half an opportunity.
From what I understand and have listened to over the years, they are still performing Haydn, but also works of other composers. High mass is always a musical highlight at the Augustinerkirche.
DeleteVienna is lucky enough to have Haselböck back for several concerts in the fall.
There are luminous days when the light reminds me of the Gulf of Naples in September.. Yesterday morning, until about noon, was one of those.
Wonderful to see such radiant light in this church. From outside, it is one of the plainest, grey, unpromising buildings in the Hofburg complex; yet when the sun floods in...thanks for capturing this view.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome!
DeleteThe entrance to the church is quite unassuming, one could easily walk by without ever realising what's behind. ;-)
Jaw droppingly beautiful! Wow!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is! :-)
DeleteLovely pictures Merisi, such a beautiful light and airy church, i can almost feel the atmosphere. I hope you had your D800 in Quiet mode :)
ReplyDeleteI only photographed BEFORE mass. I'd never snap pictures during one. ;-)
Delete(I try to be unobtrusive not only in church.)
DeleteBeautiful building wonderfully captured
ReplyDeleteAfter these photos, I will HAVE to go there! And to Sunday Mass with music, too, God willing!
ReplyDeleteOnce I almost ascended to Heaven here, but even it wasn't my time or else they didn't want me. The Mozart Mass was sublime and it was a time when all was right with the world. Thank you, Merisi, for these fantastic photos.
ReplyDeleteNow I am curious how you "almost ascended to Heaven" in this church!
ReplyDeleteIt is my favorite church, I all too often forget to take pictures there.
Are these magnificent chandeliers from Lobmeyr?
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a stunningly beautiful church!
ReplyDeleteWow! Absolutely stunning.
ReplyDelete