Franziskanerkirche
Franziskanerkirche
4.5
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Inner City
In Vienna's best-known district, pedestrian boulevards Kärntner Strasse and Graben connect you with landmarks such as the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera), Vienna’s iconic Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral) and the vast compound of Hofburg, the Habsburgs’ former Imperial Palace. Peek down side streets such as Annagasse and Weihburggasse, and Graben’s Seilergasse and Habsburggasse, to get a feel for the centre. The Imperial Apartments and the refreshingly demystifying Sissi Museum are must-dos at Hofburg. Spacious squares such as Am Hof and Freyung often host beautiful seasonal and antiques markets.
How to get there
- Stephansplatz • 4 min walk
- Stephansplatz • 4 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
4,740 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,040 within 6 miles
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4.5
91 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
40
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Michael U
Las Vegas, NV47,708 contributions
Mar 2022
The Franciscan Church, or Church of St. Jerome, is a Roman Catholic parish in the center of Vienna. Built in 1603 the outside facade is Renaissance while its interior is Baroque. Less popular than St. Peters or St. Stephens, do look up for the ancient organ and ornate sculptures including several of Virgin Mary.
Written 3 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China177,621 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
There are a handful of delightful Baroque style churches around Innere Stadt including Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church) constructed in 1603 and features a charming Renaissance facade. It is fronted by a nice fountain monument dedicated to Moses which makes for nice view and pictures at the tiny little square called Franziskanerplatz.
While the exterior is nice, it is the Baroque interior that is most impressive, particularly the ornate altar, the work of Andrea Pozzo (1707). Make sure to also see the Johann Wockerl organ (1642) which is the oldest in Vienna as well as other charming features the pulpit and aisle chapels. It is a beautiful nave, one worth spending a few minutes walking through if you enjoy the Baroque.
While the exterior is nice, it is the Baroque interior that is most impressive, particularly the ornate altar, the work of Andrea Pozzo (1707). Make sure to also see the Johann Wockerl organ (1642) which is the oldest in Vienna as well as other charming features the pulpit and aisle chapels. It is a beautiful nave, one worth spending a few minutes walking through if you enjoy the Baroque.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcin T
Southern Poland, Poland40 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
Pretty big church. Nice place, but the masses consists of only a few people. We went there occasionaly. In front of entrance - fountain with clear wather
Written 4 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CateCork
Cork132 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
Attended mass here on Christmas Day. It was beautiful sung mass by Haydn. The choir and orchestra were excellent and the acoustics were remarkable. We had been here the evening before for evening vespers by Mozart and again were impressed with the quality and beauty of the music. If you are visiting Vienna at Christmas then this is one church you should visit
Written 28 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LMK63
Guildford, UK563 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
Was surprised to find a Franciscan church to be so ornate - typical baroque, over the top decoration. Through a door I could see a lovely simple room/chapel? And suspect they used that for their services. It is in a lovely little square with tables set up outside.
Written 10 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China177,621 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
One of the churches I enjoy visiting in Vienna is the Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) at Franziskanerplatz in the Innere Stadt.
This is the only church in Vienna with a Renaissance style facade. There is also an interesting Moses statue and fountain in front of the church on the small square. Unfortunately, during our recent visit, the exterior of the Franziskanerkirche as well as the fountain were quite obscured by construction efforts and the presence of large cranes.
The interior of Franziskanerkirche is Baroque and quite beautiful. The high altar is attractive as is the main hall columns and walls. Loads of cherubs, gilding, leafy ornamentation and decor. There is decorative pulpit and important organ which is believed to be the oldest existing organ in Vienna at the back of the church.
The church is very well located and not terribly far from kärntnerstrasse and other important sightseeing in the city centre of Vienna. It is an easy attraction to make time to visit for those who enjoy seeing historic churches during their travels.
This is the only church in Vienna with a Renaissance style facade. There is also an interesting Moses statue and fountain in front of the church on the small square. Unfortunately, during our recent visit, the exterior of the Franziskanerkirche as well as the fountain were quite obscured by construction efforts and the presence of large cranes.
The interior of Franziskanerkirche is Baroque and quite beautiful. The high altar is attractive as is the main hall columns and walls. Loads of cherubs, gilding, leafy ornamentation and decor. There is decorative pulpit and important organ which is believed to be the oldest existing organ in Vienna at the back of the church.
The church is very well located and not terribly far from kärntnerstrasse and other important sightseeing in the city centre of Vienna. It is an easy attraction to make time to visit for those who enjoy seeing historic churches during their travels.
Written 19 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suzie-luvs-travel
Melbourne, Australia1,543 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Clear blue facade does not let you in on a little secret. This church is dripping in gold. Baroque interior with opulent and heavy decoration. Whoa, I just stood inside and let my eyes wander in this unexpected vision. Interesting and surprise find.
Written 9 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarieandStan
Honolulu, HI291 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
St. Francis has a lecture and organ concert each Wednesday. For small fee a small group of us were escorted into the upstairs room housing the oldest organ in Vienna. After the organists very expressively played an excerpt from the baroque period, he commented at length on the organ’s capabilities in relation to that piece. He seemed to be very knowledgeable, and we could tell from his gestures and inflexions that he really wanted his audience to understand the points that he was making. Unfortunately, he spoke only in German, much to our dismay. At the very beginning he made a few comments in both German and in English, but did not continue in both languages throughout as he explained that it would simply take too long.
We enjoyed being in the presence of such a historic site, but it would have been much more meaningful if the presentation was in English. We caught a few words here and there but hardly enough to enlighten us.
After the organist had escorted the group out of the alcove, we cornered him. We wanted him to discuss not what he lectured about earlier but what insights he had about the history of the organ itself. Although the organist was preoccupied with a pending appointment, he spent about five minutes with us.
We learned that the organ is completely shrouded from the sanctuary; none of the parishioners are allowed to see it. The new organ in the sanctuary is quite visible and is the one that is mainly played. The old organ is used only to supplement the much more powerful one if there is an epic concert. So whenever organ music is performed at the church, the old organ is never seen but sometimes heard.
The organ has been restored. In fact there was such caution taken in its restoration that the damaged pipes were buried under the organ itself so future generations would know exactly what was done.
Another tidbit of information we appreciated was that during the Second World War, the organ was removed to the countryside to avoid the Allied bombing of the central city. It remained intact, was returned to St. Francis, and was ready for more restorations.
At that point, the organist left us. We were glad we slowed him down enough to at least give us some basic information about the evolution of the organ.
Although the organ has limited capacity, we loved its pure sound, whether majestic or delicate. We were; however, disappointed that the organist, even though his English was quite acceptable, made such little effort to give us the explanation he gave his German guests. And he only did so when he was corner and while checking his watch frequently. What a shame!!
We enjoyed being in the presence of such a historic site, but it would have been much more meaningful if the presentation was in English. We caught a few words here and there but hardly enough to enlighten us.
After the organist had escorted the group out of the alcove, we cornered him. We wanted him to discuss not what he lectured about earlier but what insights he had about the history of the organ itself. Although the organist was preoccupied with a pending appointment, he spent about five minutes with us.
We learned that the organ is completely shrouded from the sanctuary; none of the parishioners are allowed to see it. The new organ in the sanctuary is quite visible and is the one that is mainly played. The old organ is used only to supplement the much more powerful one if there is an epic concert. So whenever organ music is performed at the church, the old organ is never seen but sometimes heard.
The organ has been restored. In fact there was such caution taken in its restoration that the damaged pipes were buried under the organ itself so future generations would know exactly what was done.
Another tidbit of information we appreciated was that during the Second World War, the organ was removed to the countryside to avoid the Allied bombing of the central city. It remained intact, was returned to St. Francis, and was ready for more restorations.
At that point, the organist left us. We were glad we slowed him down enough to at least give us some basic information about the evolution of the organ.
Although the organ has limited capacity, we loved its pure sound, whether majestic or delicate. We were; however, disappointed that the organist, even though his English was quite acceptable, made such little effort to give us the explanation he gave his German guests. And he only did so when he was corner and while checking his watch frequently. What a shame!!
Written 19 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China177,621 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
One of the many nice church visits you can make in the historic city centre of Vienna is that of the Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) which is also known as The Church of St. Jerome is a Franciscan Church.
Originally a 14th century Gothic style church and convent, the Archduke Ernst gave the existing structure to the Franciscan Order in 1589. Father Bonaventura Daum was responsible for the construction of the new Church of St. Joseph between 1603 and 1611, adapting the Southern German Renaissance style. Today, this is the only church in Vienna where you can see a Renaissance style facade.
The interior of the church is Baroque in style and offers some interesting things to see as well. These include the attractive high alter, which depicts the Virgin May that was designed by Andrea Pozzo (1707), an early Baroque style organ designed by Johann Wockeri (1643), that is suggested to be the oldest existing organ in Vienna and the Reliquary of Saint Hieronymus.
Overall, the Franciscan Church is one of several very interesting and lovely churches you can visit in the historic city centre. Its worth seeking out if you enjoy visiting old churches. Like its peers in the city, entrance is free and you can take pictures inside.
Originally a 14th century Gothic style church and convent, the Archduke Ernst gave the existing structure to the Franciscan Order in 1589. Father Bonaventura Daum was responsible for the construction of the new Church of St. Joseph between 1603 and 1611, adapting the Southern German Renaissance style. Today, this is the only church in Vienna where you can see a Renaissance style facade.
The interior of the church is Baroque in style and offers some interesting things to see as well. These include the attractive high alter, which depicts the Virgin May that was designed by Andrea Pozzo (1707), an early Baroque style organ designed by Johann Wockeri (1643), that is suggested to be the oldest existing organ in Vienna and the Reliquary of Saint Hieronymus.
Overall, the Franciscan Church is one of several very interesting and lovely churches you can visit in the historic city centre. Its worth seeking out if you enjoy visiting old churches. Like its peers in the city, entrance is free and you can take pictures inside.
Written 18 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malarchy
Maseru, Lesotho808 contributions
Jun 2014 • Solo
The Franciscan Church in Vienna's central district is a large and imposing religious site. From the outside the pale blue is pretty unique for Vienna. The fountain and statue outside offers a nice water feature. Inside though it is luxuriant. This is not a church dedicated to a humble order preaching poverty, it is gold - everywhere.
Perhaps the most impressive goldage is the trimming on large drapes hanging down from an upper level, ornate and rich. Various frescos adorn the alcoves including skeletons of revered holy people.
This church is home to some grand items including apparently the oldest such organ in Vienna.
The Franziskaner Kirche is not really somewhere to spend much time. The sheer weight of wealth on display is impressive. The artistry is not exactly subtle, there is none of the ornate that more spectacular churches offer. If passing by though it is worth popping in just to see the goldage.
Perhaps the most impressive goldage is the trimming on large drapes hanging down from an upper level, ornate and rich. Various frescos adorn the alcoves including skeletons of revered holy people.
This church is home to some grand items including apparently the oldest such organ in Vienna.
The Franziskaner Kirche is not really somewhere to spend much time. The sheer weight of wealth on display is impressive. The artistry is not exactly subtle, there is none of the ornate that more spectacular churches offer. If passing by though it is worth popping in just to see the goldage.
Written 6 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are you able to visit the crypt? I saw in a video some visitors went down and it looks interesting to visit and see if this is possible?
Written 10 January 2019
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