Franziskanerplatz 4
Tel. 512 4578
Subway: Stephansplatz
Open: 6:30am- 12pm and 2- 5:30pm Mon- Sat
7am- 5:30pm Sun
The Franziskanerkirche, also known as the Franciscan Church or the Church of St. Jerome, is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the historic Innere Stadt (1st district) of Vienna, Austria. Situated on Franziskanerplatz, it serves as the primary church for the Franciscan Order in Vienna and is dedicated to Saint Jerome. The church is renowned for its unique blend of architectural styles, blending a modest Renaissance exterior with a lavish Baroque interior, making it a standout example of Vienna's religious heritage. It was consecrated in 1611 and continues to function as an active place of worship, led by P. Gottfried Wegleitner OFM. Its geographic coordinates are 48°12′22″N 16°22′28″E, placing it just a short walk from major landmarks like St. Stephen's Cathedral.
The origins of the Franziskanerkirche trace back to the Franciscan
Order's arrival in Vienna in 1451, when they established their first
monastery at St. Theobald ob der Laimgrube in the Mariahilf district.
This initial site was destroyed during the Ottoman siege of 1529.
Subsequent temporary monasteries at St. Rupert (until 1545) and St.
Nikolaus in Nikolai and Grünangergasse proved inadequate as the order
grew. In 1589, after negotiations with the municipality, the Franciscans
were granted the site of an abandoned convent originally built between
1383 and 1387 for penitents—former prostitutes seeking rehabilitation
through a life of piety. This convent had been empty since the
Protestant Reformation disrupted its operations.
The Franciscans
rebuilt the structure, incorporating remnants of the old Gothic elements
into what became Vienna's only sacred building predominantly in the
Renaissance style. Construction began in 1603 under architect F.
Bonaventura Daum, with the church completed in 1607 and the adjoining
monastery for up to 200 brothers finished by 1630. The interior was
fully designed and decorated around 1720, reflecting the Baroque
influences of the time. Notably, about forty years before the
Franciscans took over, the Counter-Reformer Petrus Canisius preached
regularly at the site, adding to its historical significance. The church
has endured wars, revolutions, and urban changes, and today the
monastery belongs to the Franciscan Province of Austria.
The site
also has ties to social history, as the original penitentiary monastery
emphasized spiritual and communal rehabilitation for marginalized women,
aligning with Franciscan values of humility and service.
The exterior of the Franziskanerkirche exemplifies South German
Renaissance architecture, a rare style in Vienna characterized by
symmetry, classical proportions, and understated elegance. Built between
1603 and 1607, the facade faces northwest and features clean lines,
pilasters, and a modest gable without elaborate towers or spires,
reflecting the Franciscan emphasis on humility and simplicity. Some
Gothic elements from the original 14th-century structure were
integrated, such as pointed arches or remnants in the foundation, adding
a subtle historical layering. The church measures 65 meters in length,
20 meters in width, with the nave spanning 12 meters wide. This
"glorious architectural deception" contrasts sharply with the opulent
interior, surprising visitors upon entry.
The church is set within
Franziskanerplatz, a charming square that enhances its setting. Opposite
the church stands a building from 1698, once owned by Baron Peter von
Orelli, and the square includes the Moses Fountain (1798) by Johann
Martin Fischer, depicting Moses striking water from a rock—a symbolic
nod to spiritual nourishment.
Inside, the church transforms into a Baroque masterpiece, awash in
gold, marble, and intricate decorative features added around 1720. The
design features gilded stucco, frescoes, polychrome sculptures, and
painted ceilings that create a sense of grandeur and divine elevation.
The high altar, designed by Italian artist Andrea Pozzo in 1707, is a
highlight: it resembles a triumphal arch, blending sculpture with
illusionistic painting to depict the Virgin Mary in a dramatic,
three-dimensional scene. Side chapels house additional altars dedicated
to Franciscan saints, with detailed carvings and artworks that emphasize
themes of piety, redemption, and Marian devotion.
The overall
interior evokes a sense of opulence and spiritual intensity, with
flickering candlelight and heavy silence contributing to an atmosphere
thick with memory and reverence. This Baroque overlay, added about a
century after the exterior, represents the evolution of Catholic art
during the Counter-Reformation.
High Altar: Created by Andrea Pozzo in 1707, this altar is a Baroque
triumph, featuring the Virgin Mary as its central motif. Its design
incorporates perspective illusions, making it appear more expansive and
dynamic.
Wöckherl Organ: Vienna's oldest surviving organ, built in
1642 by Johann Wöckherl (also spelled Wockerl), is a carved Baroque
masterpiece located behind the altar. It retains about 90% of its
original components, producing deep, resonant tones that have influenced
Western music, particularly during the Baroque era with composers like
Bach. As a technological and artistic marvel, it has survived over 350
years of history, including wars and revolutions. The organ is still
used for liturgical services and concerts, and weekly presentations
(every Friday at 2 PM from April to October) allow visitors to learn
about its history and the evolution of organ music. More details can be
found on its dedicated site: http://www.woeckherl-orgel.wien.
Madonna
with the Ax: A 15th-century statue symbolizing endurance, rescued during
the Reformation, it represents the church's resilience through turbulent
times.
Frescoes and Sculptures: The interior includes Baroque
frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of Franciscan saints and the
Virgin Mary, along with polychrome sculptures in the side chapels that
add vibrant color and narrative depth.
The church is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though hours may
vary on holidays or during special events. General admission is free,
with donations encouraged to support maintenance. Organ concerts,
lasting about 45 minutes and costing €6–€10, are held on select Fridays
(especially April to October), and guided tours focusing on history and
architecture are available periodically—check the official website for
schedules. Religious services, including Masses and confessions, are
held regularly, with details posted at the entrance.
Accessibility is
good, with wheelchair ramps at the main entrance and staff assistance
available. Visitors should dress modestly (covering shoulders and
knees), use no flash photography (especially during services), and
maintain silence to respect the sacred space. Brochures are often
available in German and English. The church's central location makes it
easily reachable: a 5-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, near the
Stephansplatz subway station (U1, U3 lines), and accessible by various
bus lines. After visiting, relax in Franziskanerplatz's surrounding
cafés and restaurants.
As one of Vienna's hidden gems, the Franziskanerkirche embodies the Franciscan ideals of simplicity and service while showcasing the artistic shifts from Renaissance to Baroque during a period of religious reform. Its role in Vienna's Counter-Reformation history, combined with its preserved artifacts like the ancient organ, makes it a vital site for understanding the city's Catholic heritage. Beyond worship, it hosts cultural events like the “Tag des Denkmals” (European Heritage Days), organized by the Austrian Federal Monuments Authority, offering deeper insights into its legacy. The church's blend of deception and splendor continues to captivate visitors, serving as a testament to Vienna's layered architectural and spiritual evolution.