St. Michael's Church — Attraction in Vienna

St. Michael’s Church (Michaelerkirche) is one of the most remarkable and historically significant churches in Vienna, located just next to the Hofburg Palace. Stepping inside this magnificent church was an unforgettable experience—the towering Gothic architecture, the grand baroque altar, and the sense of history that fills the space make it truly mesmerizing. The dim lighting, the intricate details of the sculptures, and the peaceful atmosphere create a spiritual and awe-inspiring environment.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Michaelerkirche is its catacombs. Beneath the church, there is a crypt where, due to unique air conditions, over 4,000 bodies were naturally mummified over the centuries. Some of the coffins are beautifully decorated, and some of the corpses are still in surprisingly good condition, their burial garments and hair still visible. This eerie but intriguing part of the church makes it one of the most unusual historical sites in Vienna.

The church itself dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest churches in the city. Over the centuries, it has undergone multiple renovations and expansions, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. The stunning high altar, added in the 18th century, features a dramatic sculpture of the Archangel Michael defeating Lucifer, which adds to the majestic and almost theatrical feel of the church.

Another fascinating historical detail is that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem was performed here for the first time after his death in 1791. As Mozart lived nearby and was known to attend this church, it is believed that parts of his funeral service took place here, making it a must-visit site for classical music lovers.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply looking for a quiet and mysterious place to visit in Vienna, St. Michael’s Church is absolutely worth experiencing. From its gothic vaults to its haunting crypt, this church holds centuries of secrets, making it one of the most unique spiritual landmarks...

The 17-year old Joseph Haydn played the organ here in 1749. He lived next door in a small attic room, where he worked as an employee of the composer Nicola Porpora and got to know the court poet Pietro Metastasio, who also had lodgings there. Metastasio’s remains were laid to rest in the crypt of St Michael’s, and W. A. Mozart’s Requiem was performed here for the first time, during his funeral service only a few days after his death. To your right just after you enter the church you will find two somber reliefs with the following text: “A funeral service for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was held in this church on December 10, 1791 during which parts of his Requiem were heard for the first time.” When you leave St Michael’s you come out at Michaelerplatz. St Michael’s Arch takes you into the grounds of Hofburg Palace. To the left of the arch you will find a memorial plaque that states: “Here stood the old Burgtheater until 1888. Emperor Josef II founded it as the national theater in 1776.” It was used not only as a theater for plays but also as an opera house and concert hall. It was the venue of the premieres of Gluck’s “Orpheus and Eurydice” and Mozart’s operas “The Abduction from the Seraglio”, “The Marriage of Figaro” and “Così fan tutte”. Haydn’s “Emperor’s Hymn” was also first heard here, to great acclaim. Haydn composed it for the birthday of Emperor Franz II (February 12, 1797). Its melody was to be Austria’s national anthem until 1918 and again from 1929 to 1938. It remains the melody of the German national anthem to this day. Walk through St Michael’s Arch and enjoy a stroll through the magnificent Hofburg precincts. There are also “musical treasures” to be discovered here.

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Michaelerkirche or Church of Saint Michael the Archangel was built between 1219 and 1221. Although Michaelerkirche was reconstructed mamy times and transformed from gothic to baroque its Nikolauskapelle or Chapel of Saint Nicholas the Miracle Worker preserved its gothic appearance. Here, you can see original statues of Saint Nicholas and Saint Catherine made in 1350. Wooden Crucifix was made between 1510 and 1520 by Hans Schlais. Construction of this chapel was financed by the cook of the Arch-Duke of Austria in 1350 as the votive endowment for being acquitted of a poisoning case. In Michaelerkirche or Church of Saint Michael we can learn military history of Holly Roman Empire of German Nation just looking at the funeral slabs of at least five prominent military commanders of XVI century. They are: Georg von Liechtenstein, died in 1548. Erasmus von Gera, Hofkammerrat and Hauptmann zu Pettau, died in 1567 Ulrich Mairhauser zu Poisprun, Hauptmann über ein Fahndl Landsknecht, died in 1569 Georg Freiherr zu Herberstein, Erbkammerherr und Erbtruchsess, died in1570 According to common tradition they all are shown in armors of their time. This church can be especially interesting for people who learn history of European wars of Reformation and Counterreformation in XVI century. Vienna, 🇦🇹 Austria 🇦🇹....