Votive Church

The Votive Church (Votivkirche) in Vienna is a 19th-century neo-Gothic church situated on the Ringstrasse near the University of Vienna. It was built as a votive offering following the 1853 assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph and is one of Vienna’s principal neo-Gothic monuments.

The building is distinguished by its twin spires, large rose window and ornate Gothic detailing, and contains chapels, stained glass and sculptural memorials. It frequently appears in views of the Ring and is located within the Alsergrund district close to central university precincts.

Construction began in the 1850s and concluded in the later 19th century under architect Heinrich von Ferstel; the church has remained a prominent religious and architectural landmark in Vienna since its completion.

The Votive Church sits in Vienna’s inner districts on the Ringstrasse, a short walk north of the city centre and adjacent to university buildings and public transport links.

• Construction and architect: Construction began in the mid-19th century as a votive church after an assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph; the building dates from the 1850s-1870s and was designed by Heinrich von Ferstel.
• Visibility and landmark status: The two spires rise prominently above the surrounding district and are a visible landmark from nearby Ringstrasse locations and the University of Vienna precinct.

What to See #

• Main church and twin towers: The main twin-spired neo-Gothic church building with twin towers and a large nave, built as a votive monument in the 19th century and notable on Vienna's Ring and the city's skyline.
• Interior and chapels: Interior chapels and stained-glass windows, with sculptural and memorial elements commemorating the church's origin as a national vow.