Description of the attraction
The Minorite Church is located in the center of the Austrian capital, northwest of the Hofburg Palace. The Minorites were a branch of the Franciscan monastic order. Minorites ended up in Vienna at the invitation of Leopold VI in 1224.
The Minorite Church was founded in 1275, becoming one of the first Gothic churches in Vienna. The first changes in the architecture of the building took place rather quickly: in 1328, a chapel was built in honor of Saint Louis IX. The chapel had a separate entrance and was not connected to the church. However, the unification took place already in 1340, creating a three-aisled single building.
Over the years, the church has existed unchanged. Twice during the Turkish sieges in 1529 and 1683, the tower was partially destroyed. Strong changes took place during the eviction of the Minorites due to the policies of Emperor Joseph II in 1782. The church was proclaimed Italian and consecrated in honor of Maria Snezhnaya, under whose patronage the church still exists today. The Minorites took with them to Wimpassing a cross with an icon of Christ, which was located above the altar. An exact copy of such a cross is in St. Stephen's Cathedral.
At the beginning of the 19th century, a mosaic copy of Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" was installed in the church. The mosaic was commissioned by Napoleon for the Belvedere, however, it turned out to be too large for those interiors. When the mosaic was completed, Napoleon was overthrown, so Franz I had to pay for the order.
Interestingly, during the construction of the metro in the 1980s, the foundations of the chapel were discovered, which is located next to the church.
Description added:
Julija Schlapsi 2016-17-10
last supper = "Last Supper". Napoleon didn't exactly order a copy for the Belvedere;). He did it for Paris. But he didn't have time. He was overthrown. His father-in-law (Franz I) bought the mosaic and brought it to Vienna. It did not fit anywhere and was donated to the Minorite churches. That indescribably pleased the "Italian" Order of Fra
Show full text Last Supper = "Last Supper". Napoleon didn't exactly order a copy for the Belvedere;). He did it for Paris. But he didn't have time. He was overthrown. His father-in-law (Franz I) bought the mosaic and brought it to Vienna. It did not fit anywhere and was donated to the Minorite churches. That indescribably delighted the "Italian" order of the Franciscans. Hide text
