Votivkirche, the Votive Church

The Votivkirche (Votive Church) is one of the most spectacular examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Europe and one of the most impressive religious buildings in Vienna. Located on the famous Ringstraße at Rooseveltplatz, this majestic basilica with its twin 99-metre towers dominates the Viennese cityscape and is regarded as the ‘Cathedral of the Ringstraße’ due to its prominent location and architectural magnificence.

The church was built as a votive offering after the failed assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph I on 18 February 1853, when a Hungarian independence fighter attempted to stab the young emperor during a walk along the city walls. Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, the emperor’s brother and future emperor of Mexico, immediately promoted a fund-raising campaign to build a church ‘as a sign of thanksgiving for His Majesty’s salvation’.

Designed by the architect Heinrich von Ferstel, then only 26 years old, the Votivkirche was built between 1856 and 1879 according to the canons of the great French Gothic cathedrals of the 13th century. The church was solemnly consecrated on 24 April 1879, the silver wedding day of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, in a ceremony that combined thanksgiving for the narrow escape from danger with the celebration of imperial love.

After more than two decades of restoration work completed in 2021, the Votive Church now shines in new splendour, offering visitors not only a place of worship but also a museum with sacred art treasures and the spectacular ‘Light of Creation’ light show, which transforms the Gothic interior into an immersive multimedia experience. With a height of 99 metres, the Votivkirche is the second highest church in Vienna after St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Features of the Votivkirche

The Votivkirche presents itself as a three-aisled basilica with a pronounced transept, faithfully following the layout of French Gothic cathedrals. The main façade is dominated by the twin octagonal towers that rise like needles towards the sky, creating an unmistakable profile in the Vienna skyline. The stylistic homogeneity of the church, built relatively quickly compared to medieval cathedrals, gives the building a rare architectural coherence.

The stained glass windows are one of the church’s most extraordinary elements. Originally, the Votivkirche was adorned with 78 windows designed by renowned artists such as Joseph von Führich and Edward von Steinle. Although some stained glass windows were destroyed during World War II, many original masterpieces have been preserved and restored. These stained glass windows create a kaleidoscopic play of light and colour that transforms the interior of the church into a breathtaking visual experience, especially in the morning hours when the sun’s rays filter through the coloured glass.

The high altar, designed by sculptor Joseph Gasser, combines Gothic and neo-Gothic stylistic elements in a harmonious composition. Made of red granite, the ciborium above the altar is flanked by finely carved figures of angels. Also preserved inside the church is the Renaissance sarcophagus of Niklas Salm, the commander who defended Vienna from the Turkish siege of 1529, a testimony to Austrian military history.

Another important feature is the Altar of the Virgin of Guadalupe, built in memory of Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, who became Emperor of Mexico and was shot in 1867. Here you will find a unique curiosity: a gigantic candle 4 metres high, 3 metres wide and weighing 264 kilos, which according to tradition could remain lit for a hundred years. The monumental organ, built in 1878 by organ builder E.F. Walcker and restored in 1995-1996, is considered one of the most important organs in the world with its 61 registers.

Entrance tickets for the Votivkirche

Admission to the church is free of charge during public opening hours, allowing everyone to admire the neo-Gothic architecture and magnificent stained glass windows at no cost. The church remains an active place of worship and visitors are invited to respect the sacred character of the building.

The Votivkirche museum, located in the elevated oratory on the first floor (once only accessible to the imperial family), requires an entrance fee. Reduced rates are available for senior citizens, students and children, while children under the age of 14 enter free of charge. The museum houses valuable liturgical furnishings, magnificent flags, design drawings of the original stained glass windows and the important 15th century Antwerp Passion Altar, considered the most significant late Gothic masterpiece of its kind still preserved.

Tickets for Light of Creation

The Light of Creation show requires a separate ticket that can be purchased online at this link. It takes place on selected evenings throughout the year, usually with multiple performances on weekends. Each show lasts about 30 minutes and combines light projections on the Gothic structure with an orchestral score specially composed by Emmy Award-winning composer Adam Lukas.

Opening hours

The Votivkirche is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is important to note that the church is closed on Mondays for routine maintenance. During religious services, tourist access may be restricted out of respect for the faithful.

The museum observes the same hours as the church and is accessible via a spiral staircase (not wheelchair-accessible). It is advisable to check the official website for any extraordinary closures or changes in opening hours during religious holidays. Visits can be made independently or by reservation for groups.

A 30-45 minute visit to the church with a focus on the stained glass windows, altar and architectural elements is recommended, while a visit to the museum extends to 60-75 minutes. If you add the light show, the complete experience can last about 2 hours.

How to get to the Votivkirche

The Votivkirche is located at Rooseveltplatz on the Ringstraße and is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest underground station is Schottentor on the U2 line (purple), located only 350 metres from the church (about a 4-minute walk). Upon exiting the underground, the church is immediately visible with its impressive twin towers.

Several tram lines stop at the Schottentor station, including lines 1, D, 37, 38, 40, 41 and 42, making the church perfectly connected to all parts of Vienna. Several bus lines (available on the WienMobil app) also stop at Schottentor, offering additional public transport options.

Opposite the church is the Votivpark, a popular green space frequented by students of the University of Vienna, whose main building is located in the immediate vicinity. During spring (late March-early April), the park is transformed into a spectacle of colour by the magnificent magnolia trees in bloom, creating an extraordinary photo opportunity.