Haydn-Kirche (Bergkirche) description and photos - Austria: Eisenstadt (Topic)

Haydn-Kirche (Bergkirche) Church description and photos - Austria: Eisenstadt. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Haydn-Kirche (Bergkirche).

Photo and description

The Bergkirche Church in the Austrian Eisenstadt is located, as its name implies, on a high hill. Its other name - Haydn's Church - was given to it in memory of the great composer who lived in Eisenstadt for most of his life. Since 1932, there is also a mausoleum with the remains of a musician. But it is worth noting that in 1954 Haydn's head was stolen and transported to Vienna.

Bergkirche is a relatively young church, its construction began in 1715 and lasted almost 100 years. During the construction, the drawings of Prince Paul the First of Esterhazy were used, over which he spent a significant part of his time, but, unfortunately, could not see the dream come true, as he fell victim to the plague in 1713.

It was Paul who founded his own parish of the Esterhazy family and erected a small chapel on the site of the future Bergkirche, which became the first element of the Calvary mountain, numbering a total of 10 chapels, 18 altars, many niches, stairs, grottoes and passages made of stone and wood. This whole composition was supposed to personify the suffering of Christ (Way of the Cross) and attracted many pilgrims, who began to call it the eighth wonder of the world. Years later, the Austrian writer Reingold Schneider described this mountain in his work "Winter in Vienna".

In the southern tower of the Bergkirche, there is a treasury, which displays precious exhibits acquired by the Esterhazy family in different periods of time.

Under the church there is a crypt - the burial place of persons close to the Esterhazy family. Some relatives, musicians, as well as servants who became almost relatives to the family were honored to rest there.

Joseph Haydn had a special affection for the church and some of his great works were first performed within its walls by the author. In September 1800, Sir William and Lady Emma Hamilton, who visited Eisenstadt, became his listeners.

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Topic: Haydn-Kirche (Bergkirche) description and photos - Austria: Eisenstadt.