St Rupert’s Church

Vienna’s oldest church was made from stone taken from the ancient Roman settlement of Vindabona and was originally Romanesque in design, with its origins reaching as far back as 740 AD. It has a dumpy and largely unprepossessing exterior that dates from the 12th century, although it has been destroyed by fire and repeatedly enlarged down the centuries. It is dedicated to St Rupert, who is (confusingly) the patron saint of Salzburg and also connected with salt mining, which was big business around Salzburg in the Middle Ages. 
The simple interior is whitewashed with a simple stone altar, quite unadorned with the exceptions of the vast brass Baroque crucifix and the exquisite stained-glass windows dating from the 1990s, when the church was restored. However, one window has survived from the 13th century and it is found in the vaulted apse, depicting Christ on the cross with the Madonna and Child standing below. A series of atmospheric concerts of ancient music take place in the church over the summer, with evening performances in July.

Practical Info

Ruprechtsplatz 1. Open Mon & Fri 10am–12 noon, 3pm–5pm; Tue & Thurs 10am–12 noon; Sat 11am–1pm. Admission is free. Metro U1 or U4 to Schwedenplatz.