Description of the attraction
Maria am Geshtade is a Catholic church located in the Inner District of Vienna, built in the Gothic style. The church is one of the oldest Gothic buildings in Vienna. The name of the church in translation from German means "Mary on the shore". The church got this name because it was built on the banks of the Danube, which is now called Donaukanal.
The site is known to have been a 9th century wooden church that served as a place of worship for fishermen and sailors. The church of Maria am Geshtade was first mentioned in documents in 1158. The modern building was built between 1394 and 1414 in the Gothic style, and in 1409, the church became part of the Diocese of Passau.
The Maria am Geshtade church was used as a warehouse and stables in 1809 during the Napoleonic Wars. Only 3 years later, in 1812, the church was repaired and consecrated again. After these events, the church went to the Order of the Redemptorists, in whose possession it is now. Since 1862, the church houses the remains of St. Clemens Hofbauer, who is considered the patron saint of the Austrian capital.
The most striking feature of the church is the 56 meter high tower, built between 1419 and 1428. The tower is recognizable from a long distance. The tower windows contain fragments of medieval stained-glass windows.
The church consists of three portals, which are decorated with reliefs and statues.
