Kirche Am Hof stands on Am Hof square in Vienna’s city centre. Its ornate Baroque façade, designed by Italian architect Carlo Carlone in 1662, gives way to a lighter interior with pointed Gothic arches, decorated altars and a Rococo organ dating to 1763. The church’s history reaches back to the 14th century, and its broad balcony has hosted notable public events. Look inside for the ceiling details and historic thanksgiving plaques, then step outside to see the Marian Column on the square.
From a medieval church to a Baroque façade
A church has stood on this site since the 14th century. The building’s medieval roots remain visible inside, even though its exterior took on a pronounced Baroque character in the 17th century.
After a fire in 1607, the church was reshaped during a period when the Jesuits were promoting Catholic reform. The façade, completed in 1662 and designed by Italian architect Carlo Carlone, faces directly onto Am Hof, Vienna’s former ducal-court square. Its projecting sections, large pilasters, broken pediments and scroll-shaped details give the frontage a layered, sculptural appearance.
The church is also known as the Church of the Nine Choirs of Angels. Its exterior can suggest a fully Baroque building, but the hall inside retains Gothic features from the earlier church.
The balcony and public events
A broad balcony, or altane, gives the façade a public role as well as a decorative one. In 1782, Pope Pius VI gave an Easter blessing from it to a crowd gathered in the square. Cannon fire carried news of the event across Vienna.
The same frontage was used for another major announcement in 1804, when Austria’s new hereditary imperial title was proclaimed there. Papal appearances also returned Am Hof to public attention in later years: John Paul II addressed the square in 1983, and Benedict XVI held a station liturgy there in 2007.
Inside the church
The interior has pointed Gothic arches and a bright feel that contrasts with the elaborate Baroque exterior. Look beyond the main altar to the pulpit and the decorated side altars. Ceiling ornament and paintings add detail overhead and along the walls.
The Rococo pipe organ dates to 1763. Its ornate case is one of the interior details to seek out as you move through the nave. Thanksgiving plaques for St Jude are another distinctive feature; pause to look at their arrangement and decoration.
The square outside
Am Hof is a large square in central Vienna, with other historic buildings nearby. The Marian Column, or Mariensäule, stands outside the church and makes a natural next stop after looking at the façade. The square has also hosted stalls, so the setting can feel different depending on what is happening there.
The church is at Schulhof 1, 1010 Wien. A brief visit is enough to see the main interior details, while extra time lets you take in the façade and the column from the square.
Perguntas frequentes
How long do you need at Kirche Am Hof?
Allow about 10 to 15 minutes to explore the church. Add time to see the façade and Marian Column outside.
What should you see inside Kirche Am Hof?
Look for the Gothic arches, main and side altars, pulpit, ceiling decoration, St Jude thanksgiving plaques and the Rococo organ dating to 1763.
Is there an entry fee for Kirche Am Hof?
Admission is free.
Where is Kirche Am Hof?
The church is at Schulhof 1, 1010 Wien, on Am Hof square in central Vienna.
