The Votivkirche exists because Emperor Franz Joseph survived being stabbed in the neck during an 1853 assassination attempt. His brother, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, launched a public fundraising campaign for a church to give thanks, and the result — completed in 1879 — is one of the most striking neo-Gothic buildings on the Ringstrasse, deliberately built to echo the great cathedrals of the Gothic era rather than match the eclectic mix of styles found elsewhere on the boulevard.
What to see inside
The interior is airier and less crowded than Stephansdom's, with detailed stained glass, a carved stone reredos, and — its best-known feature — the Renaissance-era Salm Tomb, an elaborately carved cenotaph moved here from a monastery that was demolished during the Ottoman siege of Vienna. The twin spires reach around 99 metres, making the building a genuine Ringstrasse landmark even though it draws a fraction of the visitors that Vienna's more famous churches do.
Why it's worth a look
The Votivkirche sits right by the University of Vienna and Sigmund Freud Park, in a part of the Ringstrasse most itineraries pass through only briefly on the way between the Rathaus and other central sights — but the church itself, and the small park in front of it, are worth pausing for rather than just walking past.
Local tip
Because it draws so many fewer visitors than St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Votivkirche is a good stop if you want to see serious Gothic Revival architecture without the crowds — particularly useful on a second or third visit to Vienna when the headline sights are already checked off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Votivkirche built?
It was funded by public donation to give thanks after Emperor Franz Joseph survived an 1853 assassination attempt.
Is the Votivkirche free to visit?
Yes, entry to the church is free, though a small donation is appropriate given it's a working church.