Description of the attraction
The Bergkirche church in the Austrian Eisenstadt is located, as its name implies, on a high hill. Its other name - Haydn's Church - was given to it in memory of the great composer who lived in Eisenstadt for most of his life. Since 1932, there is also a mausoleum with the remains of a musician. But it is worth noting that in 1954 Haydn's head was stolen and transported to Vienna.
Bergkirche is a relatively young church, its construction began in 1715 and lasted for almost 100 years. During the construction, the drawings of Prince Paul the First Esterhazy were used, over which he spent a significant part of his time, but, unfortunately, he could not see the dream come true, as he became a victim of the plague in 1713.
It was Paul who founded his own parish of the Esterhazy family and erected a small chapel on the site of the future Bergkirche, which became the first element of the Calvary mountain, numbering a total of 10 chapels, 18 altars, many niches, stairs, grottoes and passages made of stone and wood. This whole composition was supposed to personify the suffering of Christ (Way of the Cross) and attracted many pilgrims, who began to call it the eighth wonder of the world. Years later, the Austrian writer Reingold Schneider described this mountain in his book "Winter in Vienna".
In the southern tower of the Bergkirche there is a treasury, which displays precious exhibits acquired by the Esterhazy family in different periods of time.
Under the church there is a crypt - the burial place of persons close to the Esterhazy family. Some relatives, musicians, and also servants, who became almost relatives to the family, were honored to rest there.
Joseph Haydn had a special affection for the church and some of his great works were first performed within its walls by the author. In September 1800, Sir William and Lady Emma Hamilton, who visited Eisenstadt, became his listeners.
