Votive Church (Votivkirche)
The Votive Church (Votivkirche) is an imposing neo-Gothic landmark on Vienna's Ringstrasse (the Ring).

 It stands opposite the University of Vienna and dominates Sigmund-Freud-Park.
 It was built in the 19th century as a church of thanksgiving and a votive offering after an assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph I.

 The architect Heinrich von Ferstel designed the facade with delicate tracery and the distinctive twin spires.
 Inside, the high rib vaults, stained-glass windows and the clear, sacred feel of the space are impressive.
 Numerous side chapels and altars tell the religious and artistic story of the era.

 The square in front of the church offers one of the best vantage points for photographing the entire west facade.
 The Votive Church is especially atmospheric in the evening light, when the stonework glows softly.

 Its location near Schottentor makes it ideal for a detour during a walk along the Ring.
 Nearby you'll find coffee houses, parks and other sights that combine perfectly with a visit.

Facilities

  • Guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Map

FAQs

The Votive Church is a 19th-century neo-Gothic church, built as a church of thanksgiving and a votive offering after an assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph I. It is considered one of the most important neo-Gothic buildings in Austria.

It stands on the Ringstrasse by Sigmund-Freud-Park, opposite the University of Vienna. The best way to get there is the U2 to Schottentor (Universität exit) or the trams that run along the Ring.

The church is open to visitors at set times; admission is usually free. Separate times and prices may apply for special areas, concerts or guided tours.

Discreet photography without flash is usually permitted; please be respectful during services. You'll get the best exterior views from Sigmund-Freud-Park and along the Ringstrasse.

More photos

No additional photos available.

Nearby

Places nearby, sorted by distance from Votive Church (Votivkirche).

Sigmund Freud Museum 470 m

Sigmund Freud Museum

Berggasse 19, 1090 Vienna

  • Admission charged
  • Museums & Exhibitions
Café Landtmann 470 m

Café Landtmann

Universitätsring 4, 1010 Vienna

  • Melange €6.90
  • Markets, Coffee Houses & Food
Vienna City Hall (Rathaus) 510 m

Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)

Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Vienna

  • Free admission
  • Architecture & Modern History
Freyung 620 m

Freyung

Freyung, 1010 Vienna

  • Free admission
  • Squares, Streets & Neighborhoods
Liechtenstein City Palace 660 m

Liechtenstein City Palace

Bankgasse 9, 1010 Vienna

  • Admission charged
  • Palaces & Residences

Further reading

Blog posts related to this place.

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