Augustinerkirche (Augustinian Church), Vienna

The Augustinerkirche, also known as the Augustinian Church, was originally constructed to serve the royal court of the Habsburg dynasty. It was built in 1339, initially situated within the palace grounds. Over time, as the palace expanded, the church became integrated into the Hofburg complex. Notably, the church boasts an exquisite steeple that distinguishes it from the rest of the Hofburg.

This church also includes a cloister intended for Augustinian friars. Presently, it is tended to by six monks who cater to the spiritual needs of the local congregation. Throughout its history, this church has been the venue for numerous royal events, including the marriage of Archduchess Marie-Louise to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810. Interestingly, Napoleon himself did not attend the wedding, and it was conducted by proxy.

Upon entering the Gothic church, one is immediately struck by its austere yet captivating beauty. It features tall, slender windows and magnificent chandeliers. Of particular note is the cenotaph dedicated to Maria Christina of Austria, located near the rear entrance. This poignant memorial, sculpted in 1805, portrays the entire family entering a temple.

The church also houses several chapels, with two of them open to visitors on a limited basis. The Loreto chapel is notable for its collection of 54 silver urns containing the hearts of departed Habsburg rulers, which can be glimpsed through a windowed door. The physical remains of these rulers are entombed in the Kapuzinerkirche.

For those interested in visiting these chapels, the optimal time is after the Sunday mass. During the summer, the mass includes awe-inspiring organ music that resonates beautifully within this setting. It's advisable to arrive no later than 10:15 to secure a seat for the 11 am mass, as it tends to be very popular.