Singerstrasse 7
Tel. 512 1065
Subway: Stephansplatz
Church
Open: 7am- 6pm daily
Treasury Open: 10am- 12pm Tue, Thu, Sat
3- 5pm Wed, Fri
Closed: Sun, Mon and public holidays
The Deutschordenskirche, also known as the Church of the Teutonic Order or the Church of Saint Elisabeth of Hungary, is a historic Roman Catholic church located in central Vienna, Austria, near the iconic Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral). Situated at Singerstraße 7, it serves as the mother church of the Teutonic Order (Deutscher Orden), a German-based religious and military order founded at the end of the 12th century during the Crusades. The church is not only a place of worship but also a repository of medieval and early modern history, reflecting the Order's evolution from a knightly brotherhood to a charitable organization. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 48°12′27.2″N 16°22′22.7″E, and it remains the seat of the Order's Grand Master, currently under the leadership of P. Johannes Kellner. The church's modest size and blend of architectural styles make it a hidden gem amid Vienna's grander landmarks, often overlooked by tourists but rich in cultural and artistic significance.
The origins of the Deutschordenskirche trace back to the Teutonic
Order's establishment in Vienna. The Order, formally known as the Order
of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem, was granted
land in Vienna in the 13th century. Construction of the church began in
1326 under the auspices of the Order and was completed by 1375, with the
building initially consecrated to St. Elisabeth of Hungary, a patron
saint associated with charity and the Order's ethos. This period
coincided with the Order's peak influence in Europe, particularly in the
Baltic regions, before its decline following defeats in the 15th
century.
The church underwent a major transformation in the early
18th century. Around 1720, during the tenure of Count Guido von
Starhemberg as commander, it was remodeled in the Baroque style, likely
designed by architect Anton Erhard Martinelli. Italian artists
contributed significantly: Simone Allio added stucco work in 1697, while
Girolamo Alfieri and sculptor Giovanni Antonio Canevale worked on
further enhancements between 1700 and 1725. This Baroque overhaul
reflected the broader architectural trends in Habsburg Vienna,
emphasizing grandeur and ornamentation to counter the Reformation's
influence.
Historically, the church has been tied to key events in
the Order's timeline. In 1525, when Grand Master Albert of Prussia
converted to Lutheranism and secularized parts of the Order's holdings,
many treasures were relocated to Vienna, forming the basis of the
church's renowned treasury. The site has endured Vienna's turbulent
history, including sieges and wars, but remains a symbol of the Order's
enduring presence in Austria.
The Deutschordenskirche exemplifies a harmonious fusion of Gothic and
Baroque styles, a result of its original construction and later
renovations. Measuring approximately 25 meters in length and 10 meters
in width, with a capacity for about 150 people, it is relatively compact
compared to Vienna's larger cathedrals. The façade, facing
south-southwest, retains subtle Gothic elements such as pointed arches
in the windows, which hark back to its 14th-century origins.
The
Baroque remodeling introduced more elaborate features, including ornate
stucco decorations and a heightened sense of verticality and light. The
exterior is understated, blending seamlessly into the surrounding
historic buildings, while the interior architecture emphasizes symmetry
and dramatic lighting to enhance spiritual ambiance. Adjacent to the
church is the Deutschordenshaus, a courtyard complex that houses the
Order's administrative functions and the treasury, accessible via a
cobbled inner courtyard.
Interior Features
The church's interior
is a treasure trove of historical and artistic elements, creating an
atmosphere of solemnity and heritage. The walls are adorned with
numerous armorial bearings (coats of arms) of Teutonic Knights,
symbolizing the Order's noble lineage. Several commemorative stones and
tombstones line the space, including the notable tombstone of Count
Siegfried Sarau (featuring relief work by Giovanni Stanetti) and that of
bailiff Jobst von Wetzhausen (1524, crafted by Loy Hering).
A
standout feature is the Flemish winged triptych altarpiece from 1520, a
polychromed masterpiece depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ.
This richly decorated woodcarving, signed by Jan van Wavere from
Mechelen, includes intricate gilt details and is considered one of the
church's most valuable artworks, though the exact woodcarver and painter
remain unknown. The overall interior, with its Baroque stucco and Gothic
remnants, provides a layered visual experience, often described as
quirky and intimate.
Housed in the adjacent Deutschordenshaus on the second floor, the
Treasury of the Teutonic Order is a museum showcasing artifacts
accumulated over eight centuries by successive Grand Masters.
Spanning five rooms and covering Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque
periods, it reopened after renovation on April 22, 2006.
Highlights include:
Gothic Room: Coins, medals, seals,
crosses, and a 13th-century coronation ring.
Renaissance and
Baroque Items: Chalices with silvery filigree, a red coral
salt-cellar shaped like a tree with sharks' teeth, coconut shell
vessels (one from Goa with silver mountings, another in chinoiserie
style), a silver chain (c. 1500) for the Order's sword depicting the
Madonna and Child, and a table clock with garnets and turquoise.
Oriental and Historical Artifacts: A Sumatran kris with a wavy blade
and rhino horn handle carved as Buddha, a 1235 charter by Pope
Gregory IX canonizing St. Elisabeth, Gothic paintings, and a
Carinthian woodcarving of Saint George and the Dragon.
The
collection represents one of Vienna's oldest treasure hoards,
emphasizing the Order's global reach through trade and conquest.
As the spiritual and administrative heart of the Teutonic Order, the Deutschordenskirche holds profound religious, historical, and cultural importance. It embodies the Order's shift from militaristic crusaders to a modern charitable entity focused on healthcare and education. The site is part of Vienna's UNESCO-listed Historic Centre, contributing to the city's architectural diversity. Artistically, it preserves rare medieval artifacts, offering insights into European knighthood and Habsburg-era patronage. Though smaller than nearby attractions, its "quirky" character and ties to the Crusades make it a unique testament to medieval chivalry in a modern context.
The church is open to the public for worship and visits, though hours may vary. The treasury operates on a limited schedule: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission to the treasury is typically charged, but the church itself is free. Guided tours may be available through the Order's website (www.deutscher-orden.at), which provides further details in German and English. Visitors often combine a trip here with nearby sites like the Stephansdom, and it's accessible via public transport (U-Bahn lines U1 or U3 to Stephansplatz). Photography is generally allowed, but respect for ongoing services is expected.