Description of the attraction
The Church of Am Steinhof, also called the Church of St. Leopold, is located in Vienna on the Steinhof hill at a psychiatric hospital. It is considered one of the most interesting Art Nouveau churches in the world. Built by architect Otto Wagner. Koloman Moser (stained-glass windows), Otmar Szymkowitz and Richard Luksha were involved in the design of the church.
The idea to build a clinic for the mentally ill appeared at the beginning of the 20th century due to the great popularity of psychoanalysis and the treatment of mental disorders in Vienna. At the clinic Am Steinhof, it was decided to build a church, which was consecrated in honor of St. Leopold. It was built on a 310-meter-high hill in 1907. Otto Wagner created the church in his signature style: blue color, gilding, forged elements. Along the perimeter there are figures of saints, among which there is the figure of St. Leopold, holding in his hand a miniature copy of the church itself. They say that on this copy you can also see the figure of St. Leopold.
The interior of the church was created taking into account the fact that the parishioners are mentally ill people. Therefore, inside the church, designed for 800 worshipers, there are no sharp corners, and the altar is separated from the hall. The entrance to the church is separate for men and women, and the benches are divided for different categories of patients. The church provides service exits for emergency evacuation of patients, if necessary.
The church was restored for a long time, the opening took place in October 2006. Interestingly, the image of the Church of Am Steinhof was chosen for the 100 Euro commemorative coin, which was minted in November 2005.
The church is currently open to sightseeing visitors.
