Schonlaterngasse 5
Tel. 512 5896
Subway: Schwedenplatz
Open: 6am- 9pm Mon- Sat
Closed: Sun
The Heiligenkreuzerhof, located in Vienna’s 1st district (Innere Stadt) between Schönlaterngasse and Grashofgasse, is a historic building ensemble often cited as Vienna’s oldest tenement house (Zinshaus). Owned by the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz since its origins in the 12th/13th century, this complex comprises a central courtyard, a prelature, the Bernardikapelle (St. Bernard’s Chapel), and residential and commercial spaces. Its medieval roots, Baroque reconstruction, and serene ambiance make it a hidden gem in Vienna’s historic core, offering a blend of architectural heritage, cultural significance, and tranquil charm.
Origins (12th–13th Century)
The Heiligenkreuzerhof’s history dates
to the early medieval period, with evidence suggesting its foundations
may reach back to the 12th century. It is first documented in 1242,
indicating an existing structure. Originally a merchant settlement
outside Vienna’s Roman fortifications, the site was likely used by
exporters trading beyond the city walls. The Cistercian Abbey of
Heiligenkreuz, founded in 1133 by Margrave Leopold III, acquired the
property in the 12th or early 13th century, establishing it as their
Vienna foothold.
The complex initially consisted of freestanding
buildings, including cellars and storage spaces, which were unified into
a single structure by 1547. Medieval cellar vaults and a four-story
Romanesque house with cross-ribbed and belt vaults, dating to the early
13th century, survive beneath the prelature, particularly near
Schönlaterngasse 7. These elements highlight the site’s early role as a
commercial and residential hub.
Medieval and Renaissance
Developments
By the 14th to 16th centuries, the Heiligenkreuzerhof
saw incremental expansions and modifications, with visible alterations
in its medieval rooms. Around 1500, neighboring buildings were required
to seal windows overlooking the courtyard to ensure privacy for the
monastic complex. In 1587, Italian stonemasons Elias and Alexius Payos,
working with Kaiserstein from the abbey’s quarries, performed
significant masonry work, enhancing the structure’s durability and
aesthetic.
Baroque Reconstruction (1659–1771)
The
Heiligenkreuzerhof underwent a major transformation during the Baroque
period. Between 1659 and 1676, under the direction of Heiligenkreuz
Abbey’s abbots, much of the medieval complex, including the chapel and
prelature, was demolished and rebuilt in the Baroque style. Further
renovations from 1769 to 1771 shaped the courtyard’s current appearance,
introducing the elegant facades and architectural cohesion seen today.
This reconstruction aligned with Vienna’s Counter-Reformation aesthetic,
emphasizing grandeur and spiritual symbolism.
Modern History
19th–20th Century: The Heiligenkreuzerhof remained a residential and
commercial space, with notable residents like Austrian actor and cabaret
artist Helmut Qualtinger, who lived there until his death in 1986.
2001–2003: The Bernardikapelle underwent a €460,000 renovation,
restoring its high-Baroque interiors to their original splendor.
Today: The complex continues to serve as a mix of private apartments,
specialist shops, and facilities for the University of Applied Arts,
while remaining under Heiligenkreuz Abbey’s ownership. It is a protected
cultural heritage site, with Austria’s Cultural Heritage Database
listing it under ObjektID 40838.
Overall Layout
The Heiligenkreuzerhof is a rectangular ensemble
surrounding a spacious central courtyard, accessible via two entrances:
one from Schönlaterngasse and another from Grashofgasse, making it a
Durchhaus (pass-through building). The complex includes:
Stiftshof: The monastic courtyard, historically the abbey’s
administrative and residential core.
Prälatur: The prelature, housing
monastic offices.
Bernardikapelle: A Baroque chapel dedicated to St.
Bernard of Clairvaux.
Zinshaus: A tenement house with apartments and
commercial spaces.
The architecture blends medieval foundations with
Baroque reconstructions, creating a harmonious contrast between the
robust, utilitarian cellars and the ornate, elegant upper structures.
Medieval Elements
Cellar Vaults: Preserved 12th/13th-century
vaults beneath the prelature, used for storage and commerce, are among
Vienna’s oldest surviving structures.
Romanesque House: A four-story
building with cross-ribbed vaults, located near Schönlaterngasse 7,
dates to the early 13th century.
Walls: Some medieval wall sections,
uncovered during renovations, attest to the site’s longevity.
Baroque Features
The 17th- and 18th-century reconstructions
introduced:
Courtyard Facades: Elegant Baroque facades with
stucco details, arched windows, and symmetrical designs, completed by
1771.
Bernardikapelle: Located at Schönlaterngasse, the chapel’s
exterior is understated, but its interior is a high-Baroque masterpiece
(detailed below).
Entrances: The Schönlaterngasse entrance, marked by
a Baroque portal, is particularly striking when approached from the
narrow, historic alley.
The courtyard’s large, open design offers a
“remarkable perspective,” providing a serene contrast to Vienna’s
bustling streets.
Bernardikapelle (St. Bernard’s Chapel)
The Bernardikapelle,
consecrated in 1679 by Bishop Felix Breuner, is the Heiligenkreuzerhof’s
crown jewel. Dedicated to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a key Cistercian
figure, it exemplifies high-Baroque artistry:
Exterior: Modest,
with a bust of St. Bernard above the entrance, blending into the
courtyard’s facade.
Interior: A lavish display of marble, gold, and
stucco, with contributions from:
Martino Altomonte: The altar
painting, a masterpiece of Baroque religious art. Altomonte lived in the
Heiligenkreuzerhof until his death.
Giovanni Giuliani: Sculptures and
decorative elements, showcasing his skill as a mentor to Georg Raphael
Donner.
Restoration: The 2001–2003 renovation (€460,000) restored the
chapel’s vibrant colors and intricate details, making it a popular venue
for weddings.
Access: Closed to the public except for guided tours or
special events, emphasizing its exclusivity.
Central Courtyard
The courtyard is the heart of the Heiligenkreuzerhof, connecting
Schönlaterngasse to Grashofgasse and Köllnerhofgasse. Its spaciousness
and Baroque facades create a tranquil oasis, praised for its
“weihnachtliche Stimmung” (Christmas atmosphere) during Advent, when
seasonal markets or decorations enhance its charm. The courtyard houses
small shops and facilities for the University of Applied Arts, blending
historical and modern uses.
Medieval Cellars
The preserved
cellar vaults, dating to the 12th/13th century, are a testament to the
site’s mercantile origins. Used for storage, these robust structures are
occasionally accessible during guided tours, offering a glimpse into
medieval Vienna.
Cistercian Legacy
The Heiligenkreuzerhof is a direct extension of
Heiligenkreuz Abbey, the world’s oldest continuously occupied Cistercian
monastery, founded in 1133. The abbey’s ownership since the 12th century
underscores its role as a spiritual and economic outpost in Vienna,
managing urban properties while maintaining monastic traditions. The
complex’s name, derived from the abbey’s “Holy Cross” relic, ties it to
the Cistercian devotion to redemption.
Vienna’s Oldest Zinshaus
Often called Vienna’s oldest apartment block, the Heiligenkreuzerhof
reflects the city’s early urban development. Its origins as a merchant
settlement outside the Roman walls highlight Vienna’s medieval trade
networks. The unification of buildings in 1547 and Baroque rebuilding
demonstrate the city’s architectural evolution.
Cultural Hub
The Heiligenkreuzerhof serves as a cultural venue:
Exhibitions:
The courtyard and prelature occasionally host art exhibitions,
leveraging the Baroque setting.
Markets: A small Advent market
features crafts, creating a “unique cornice” for visitors.
Notable
Residents: Helmut Qualtinger’s residence adds a modern cultural layer,
linking the site to Vienna’s 20th-century artistic scene.
Serenity in
the City
Located near St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Jesuitenkirche,
the Heiligenkreuzerhof offers a quiet retreat from Vienna’s tourist
crowds. Its “ruhiges und charmantes Plätzchen” (quiet and charming spot)
appeals to those seeking history without the bustle of major
attractions.
Location and Access
Address: Schönlaterngasse 5, 1010 Vienna,
Austria (main entrance).
Public Transport:
Subway: U3 to Stubentor
or U1/U4 to Schwedenplatz, then a 4-minute walk.
Tram: 1, 2 to
Schwedenplatz.
Walking Directions:
From St. Stephen’s
Cathedral: Walk down Graben, turn right onto Kohlmarkt, then left onto
Schönlaterngasse. The entrance is on the left.
From Hofburg Palace:
Exit at Michaelerplatz, walk past Michaelerkirche, and continue to
Schönlaterngasse.
Hours: The courtyard is generally accessible during
daylight hours (6 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Friday). The Bernardikapelle
requires guided tours.
Admission: Free for the courtyard; guided
tours for the chapel may have a small fee (contact Heiligenkreuz Abbey
or local guides).
Visiting Tips
Best Time: Visit early morning
for a quiet experience and optimal photography, especially in Advent for
festive ambiance.
Bernardikapelle Tours: Book via Heiligenkreuz Abbey
(office@stift-heiligenkreuz.org) or local tour operators, as the chapel
is not open for public display.
Photography: Permitted in the
courtyard; chapel photography may be restricted during tours.
Accessibility: The courtyard is accessible, but the chapel and cellars
may have steps, limiting mobility access.
What to Wear: Comfortable
shoes for cobblestone alleys; modest attire for the chapel.
Events:
Check wien.info for exhibitions or Advent market schedules.
Nearby Attractions
Jesuitenkirche: A Baroque church, 2 minutes away.
Dominikanerkirche: Vienna’s first Baroque church, 5 minutes away on
Postgasse.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Vienna’s iconic Gothic landmark,
7 minutes away.
Schönlaterngasse: A picturesque alley with the
Basiliskenhaus, leading to the Hof.
Hofburg Palace: The Habsburg
residence, 10 minutes away.
The Heiligenkreuzerhof encapsulates Vienna’s layered history, from
its medieval mercantile roots to its Baroque transformation during the
Counter-Reformation. Its ownership by Heiligenkreuz Abbey ties it to the
Cistercian order’s enduring influence, which also shaped structures like
Schönbrunn and Belvedere through Kaiserstein quarries. The complex’s
survival through centuries of urban change reflects Vienna’s commitment
to preserving its heritage, earning it a place on Austria’s cultural
heritage register.
Unlike the grand Hofburg or Schönbrunn, the
Heiligenkreuzerhof offers an intimate, less touristy experience,
aligning with Vienna’s reputation for hidden historical treasures. Its
courtyard’s role as a pedestrian link between Schönlaterngasse and
Grashofgasse integrates it into the city’s daily life, while the
Bernardikapelle’s Baroque splendor connects it to Vienna’s artistic
legacy.