Kirche Am Steinhof description and photos - Austria: Vienna (Topic)

Church of the Am Steinhof (Kirche Am Steinhof) description and photos - Austria: Vienna. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Kirche Am Steinhof.

Photo and description

The Church of Am Steinhof, also called the Church of St. Leopold, is located in Vienna on the Steinhof hill at a psychiatric hospital. It is considered one of the most interesting Art Nouveau churches in the world. Built by architect Otto Wagner. Koloman Moser (stained-glass windows), Otmar Szymkowitz and Richard Luksha were responsible for the decoration of the church.

The idea to build a clinic for the mentally ill appeared at the beginning of the 20th century due to the great popularity of psychoanalysis and treatment of mental disorders in Vienna. At the clinic Am Steinhof, it was decided to build a church, which was consecrated in honor of St. Leopold. It was built on a hill 310 meters high in 1907. Otto Wagner created the church in his own corporate style: blue color, gilding, forged elements. There are figures of saints around the perimeter, among which is the figure of Saint Leopold, holding in his hand a miniature copy of the church itself. They say that on this copy you can also see the figure of St. Leopold.

The interior of the church was created taking into account the fact that the parishioners are mentally ill people. Therefore, inside the church, designed for 800 worshipers, there are no sharp corners, and the altar is separated from the hall. The entrance to the church is separate for men and women, and the benches are divided for different categories of patients. The church provides service exits for emergency evacuation of patients, if necessary.

The church was restored for a long time, the opening took place in October 2006. Interestingly, the image of the Church of Am Steinhof was chosen for the 100 Euro commemorative coin, which was struck in November 2005.

We also recommend reading Hirami Ahmet Pasha Mosque description and photos - Turkey: Ankara

Topic: Kirche Am Steinhof description and photos - Austria: Vienna.