Votive Church (Votivkirche) Vienna
A breathtaking neo-Gothic church famous for its 'Light of Creation' immersive show, blending art, music, and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Magical light and sound show
Votive Church (Votivkirche) Vienna
Best Time
Magical light and sound show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking neo-Gothic church famous for its 'Light of Creation' immersive show, blending art, music, and history.
"The 'Light of Creation' show at Votive Church is a magical, unforgettable experience that transforms the space."
✨ Book 'Light of Creation' Early
Tickets for the immersive light show are essential and sell out fast. Book online in advance!
🎶 Experience the Sound & Light
The 'Light of Creation' show is a must-see, transforming the church with visuals and music.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Light of Creation Show
Interior
A mesmerizing fusion of light, color, and music that transforms the neo-Gothic interior into a cosmic spectacle.
Neo-Gothic Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the stunning Gothic Revival architecture, a masterpiece built in 1879.
+1
Museum of Liturgical Objects
Inside the church
Explore a collection of historical liturgical items, offering a glimpse into the church's religious heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your 'Light of Creation' Tickets
Consider Evening Visits for the Show
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Book 'Light of Creation' Early
Tickets for the immersive light show are essential and sell out fast. Book online in advance!
🎶 Experience the Sound & Light
The 'Light of Creation' show is a must-see, transforming the church with visuals and music.
🏛️ Admire Gothic Grandeur
The church's neo-Gothic architecture is breathtaking, even without the light show.
🚶♀️ Free Entry to Church
Wander through the main church area for free; the light show requires a separate ticket.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Book 'Light of Creation' Early
Tickets for the immersive light show are essential and sell out fast. Book online in advance!
🎶 Experience the Sound & Light
The 'Light of Creation' show is a must-see, transforming the church with visuals and music.
🏛️ Admire Gothic Grandeur
The church's neo-Gothic architecture is breathtaking, even without the light show.
🚶♀️ Free Entry to Church
Wander through the main church area for free; the light show requires a separate ticket.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the 'Light of Creation' show, describing it as a magical and immersive experience that transforms the Votive Church into a cosmic spectacle. The stunning neo-Gothic architecture is also a major highlight, offering free entry to admire its grandeur. Some find the show's price a bit high, but most agree it's worth it for the unique visual and auditory journey.
"Absolutely stunning! A night light show is a must visit! It is not only great light effects, but awesome sound. So breathtaking that you don't have time to take photos. Buy tickets for show in advance, tickets sell quickly. We bought tickets in the middle of the haul, had a great view."
Vladimir Dolmatov
"My favorite cathedral in the city of Vienna.
With its perfect location between a spacious park, this magnificent church lavishes your gaze when you take a look and doesn't disappoint.
A walk around the building is highly recommended before you get to the front since then you'll get to enjoy it's full beauty.
Decorated and detailed stone capture your attention since it cannot be missed when every corner of this church says that is was crafted to do so.
A heavily structured interior hold you gently as you study its corners.
Built for gratitude, honor and respect whilst holding beauty and histroy ;
this church remains a charm of the city of Vienna and a staple of family love."
A
"The Votive Church stands out as both a historical monument and spiritual retreat. With its awe-inspiring neo-Gothic architecture, artful stained-glass illumination, and serene interior, it offers a unique and reflective experience. Whether you’re an architecture lover, history enthusiast, or just seeking a peaceful sanctuary, this gem—often overshadowed by its famous neighbor—deserves a spot on your Vienna itinerary."
Andreea Prajescu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Votive Church (Votivkirche) is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U2 metro line to the 'Schottentor' station, which is a short walk away. Several tram lines also stop nearby, including lines 1, D, and 71 at the 'Schottentor' stop.
Street parking in the vicinity can be challenging and is often metered. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to reach the Votive Church to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, if you're staying in or near the Innere Stadt (city center), it's a pleasant walk of about 20-30 minutes to the Votive Church. You'll pass by other notable landmarks along the way.
From Vienna International Airport (VIE), you can take the City Airport Train (CAT) to Wien Mitte, then transfer to the U4 metro line towards Heiligenstadt, and finally switch to the U2 line to Schottentor. Alternatively, regional trains offer a more budget-friendly option.
The main church area is generally accessible, but specific areas like the museum or upper levels might have stairs. It's advisable to contact the church directly for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main Votive Church itself is free, allowing you to admire its architecture. However, the popular 'Light of Creation' immersive light show requires a separate ticket.
Ticket prices for the 'Light of Creation' show can vary, but expect them to be around €20-€30 per person. It's best to check the official ticketing website for current pricing and any potential discounts.
Tickets for the 'Light of Creation' show are best purchased online through the official event website or authorized ticketing partners. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for evening performances.
The Votive Church typically opens its doors to visitors in the morning and closes in the early evening. Specific hours can vary, and the 'Light of Creation' show has its own dedicated schedule. Check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the Votive Church is an active place of worship. While you can visit during services, it's respectful to remain quiet and observe the ongoing religious activities. Check the schedule for any specific service times.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The 'Light of Creation' is an immersive 30-minute experience that uses advanced lighting effects and original music to tell the story of the universe's formation within the stunning neo-Gothic interior of the Votive Church.
The 'Light of Creation' show is approximately 30 minutes long, offering a captivating journey through visual and auditory storytelling.
Absolutely! The Votive Church is a magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture and is free to enter. Its grand interior and historical significance make it a worthwhile visit on its own.
The museum within the Votive Church showcases a collection of liturgical objects, vestments, and other religious artifacts, providing insight into the church's history and its role in Vienna.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the Votive Church, but flash photography might be restricted, especially during services or the light show. Always be respectful of the sacred space.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, with its intricate spires and facade, offers stunning photographic opportunities. Inside, the nave and altar area are particularly impressive. During the 'Light of Creation' show, capturing the dynamic light projections is a unique challenge and reward.
While photos are often allowed, flash photography is usually prohibited during the 'Light of Creation' show to preserve the immersive experience for all attendees. Tripods may also be restricted.
For the dimly lit interior, a camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Consider using a wider aperture (lower f-number) and a higher ISO, or a tripod if permitted, to capture detail without excessive blur.
Drone usage is strictly regulated in urban areas, especially around historical buildings and churches. It's highly unlikely that drone photography is permitted near the Votive Church due to airspace restrictions and privacy concerns.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful, soft light that can enhance the architectural details of the Votive Church. Midday sun can create harsh shadows, but can also be good for highlighting specific features.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good alternative to traditional museum visits and can hold a child's attention for the 30-minute duration. For a more relaxed visit, exploring the main church area is free and offers a chance to marvel at the impressive architecture. Keep in mind that during services, children should be encouraged to be quiet and respectful. The museum section might be more engaging for older children interested in history and religious artifacts.
✨ Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 It's a perfect activity for couples looking for something beyond the typical tourist attractions. Consider booking an early evening show and then enjoying a romantic dinner in one of Vienna's charming restaurants nearby. The church's grand architecture also offers a beautiful backdrop for memorable photos together.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
+1 Secondly, the 'Light of Creation' show offers a contemporary artistic experience, blending technology with narrative storytelling in a unique setting. Exploring the church's museum provides further insight into its religious heritage and the artistry of liturgical objects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Light of Creation' Experience
Visitors are enveloped in a symphony of light and sound, with projections dancing across the soaring neo-Gothic architecture, creating a deeply moving and awe-inspiring atmosphere. +1Many attendees describe the experience as magical and unforgettable, noting that videos and photos struggle to capture the full impact of the show.
The show is divided into distinct acts, each representing a phase of creation, making it both educational and visually stunning. It's a modern artistic interpretation set within a historic sacred space, offering a profound sensory journey. Key takeaways for experiencing 'Light of Creation' include booking tickets well in advance, as popular showtimes sell out quickly, and arriving a little early to get a good vantage point. While the church itself is free to enter, this specific show requires a paid ticket.
It's an experience that appeals to a wide range of visitors, from art enthusiasts to those seeking a unique evening out in Vienna. Architectural Marvel: The Votive Church
The church was designed by Heinrich von Ferstel and is characterized by its twin spires, intricate stonework, and soaring vaulted ceilings, reminiscent of medieval cathedrals. Its imposing facade and detailed ornamentation make it a significant landmark in the city. The sheer scale and the delicate craftsmanship involved in its construction are evident from both the exterior and interior.
Inside, visitors can marvel at the stained-glass windows, ornate altars, and the overall sense of spiritual and architectural harmony. The church's design was influenced by French Gothic cathedrals, giving it a distinct European flair. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Votive Church also houses a museum displaying liturgical objects and vestments, offering a deeper understanding of its religious and historical context.
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