{"id":27656,"date":"2020-11-15T05:56:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-15T04:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?p=27656"},"modified":"2025-12-23T14:53:30","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T13:53:30","slug":"annakirche","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/annakirche\/","title":{"rendered":"The Annakirche church"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><a href=\"#tickets\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/annakirchetickets.jpg\" alt=\"Portal decor at the Annakirche\" class=\"wp-image-57666\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Tucked away in the old town, Annakirche (St. Anne&#8217;s church) seems unassuming on the outside. But slip inside to discover an astonishing barrage of baroque glory (and regular concerts).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Early 16th century church<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interior mostly early to mid-18th century<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remarkably still &amp; peaceful atmosphere<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also hosts classical concerts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gold &amp; pastel Baroque d\u00e9cor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/vienna-attractions-c60335\/tickets-for-st-annes-church-vienna-classical-concert-p1055403\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_AnnaConc\" rel=\"sponsored\">a concert<\/a>* in the Annakirche\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inexpensive for Vienna<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/churches\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"28720\">historical churches<\/a> in Vienna<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/classical-concert\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5359\">Classical concert venues<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/events\/classical-concert-dress-code\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"75082\">What to wear to a concert<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">St. Anne&#8217;s Church<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/annakirche.jpg\" alt=\"Exterior of St Anna's Church\" class=\"wp-image-46016\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/annakirche.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/annakirche-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Annakirche tower arrived in 1748, replacing one lost to fire. The unassuming church fa\u00e7ade hides a remarkable interior)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna delivers numerous architectural and historical surprises. You find yourself on some innocent side street, and it turns out you&#8217;re standing outside somewhere Mozart used to perform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Annakirche (St. Anne&#8217;s church) offers another example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sitting somewhat incongruously opposite the New York bar, the exterior seems to promise a rather mundane and pragmatic interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How wrong can you be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Entering delivers a double whammy of sensorial delight: the astonishing Baroque interior and the extraordinary reverential atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Annakirche serves as an oasis for contemplation and prayer away from the hustle and bustle of a 21st-century city.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/annakircheentrance.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance to the Annakirche\" class=\"wp-image-46017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/annakircheentrance.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/annakircheentrance-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The main entrance)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Such was the overpowering quiet on my visit that I winced at the sound of my pen scratching across the notepad and almost felt unable to move for fear of the noise made by my rustling coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The indistinct mumbled tones of a starting confessional actually came as a relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for the decorative elements, well, this is baroque splendour with a capital B. And all as pristine as if the craftspeople only just packed up their paints and chisels. Their motto: no stone left untouched or unpainted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The contrast to the outside architecture is as if someone wrapped a Faberg\u00e9 egg in brown parcel paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concerts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the combination of ambience and d\u00e9cor, the Annakirche joins the list of central churches offering regular concerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the <em>Classic Exclusive<\/em> series sees <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/vienna-attractions-c60335\/tickets-for-st-annes-church-vienna-classical-concert-p1055403\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_AnnaConc\" rel=\"sponsored\">performances<\/a>* of chamber music that draw on composers closely associated with Vienna: primarily Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Haydn. Selected concerts may even feature historical instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some advice on what to wear to such events, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/events\/classical-concert-dress-code\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"75082\">my tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">History<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"307\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/annakirche1724.jpg\" alt=\"Drawing of the Annakirche from 1724\" class=\"wp-image-61309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/annakirche1724.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/annakirche1724-300x184.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Annakirche and Annagasse in a drawing by Salomon Kleiner, engraved by Johann August Corvinus and published by Johann Andreas d. \u00c4. Pfeffel in 1724; Wien Museum Inv.-Nr. 105765\/13; excerpt reproduced with permission under the terms of the CC0 licence)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As so often with Viennese churches, the Annakirche looks back on a chequered history of rebuilding and renovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They consecrated the original church in the early 1500s and the first (relatively gentle) redecoration took place somewhat over 100 years later. The early 18th century then saw a baroque transformation inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The final touches to produce what we more or less see today came about after a lightning strike caused a fire in 1747. As part of the restoration work, Daniel Gran painted fresh ceiling frescoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You find Gran&#8217;s work in other impressive locations in Vienna, too. His paintings, for example, decorate the astonishing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/prunksaal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2750\">state hall<\/a> of the national library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Architectural frescoes flank those more traditional images on the ceiling, and the general d\u00e9cor forms a sea of golden saints and angels, marbled russets and browns, pastel blues, pinks and yellows. It all makes for quite a sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The organ might almost be described as subtle in design, though the Baroque balustrade it peeps out from more than compensates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tickets\">Ticket &amp; visitor tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For concerts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Classic Exclusive ensemble usually performs up to five times a week, depending on the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Booking service provided by Tiqets.com*, who I am an affiliate of)<\/p><div data-tiqets-widget=\"availability\" data-layout=\"full\" data-product-id=\"1055403\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"AW_Annakirche\"><\/div><script defer=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Nothing on your dates? Try some <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/concerts-opera-vienna-tickets-l206741\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=MSconcerts\">alternative concerts<\/a>*)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For visiting Annakirche<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Entry to the Annakirche as such is free (bear in mind it&#8217;s a working church, so may hold services at times).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more ecclesiastical <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/baroque\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30588\">baroque magnificence<\/a>, be sure to wander up K\u00e4rntner Stra\u00dfe and turn down the Graben to reach the astonishing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/peterskirche\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3039\">Peterskirche<\/a> (also another popular concert venue, where we enjoyed a lovely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/events\/classic-ensemble-review\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"61093\">ensemble performance<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The old town has a fair few churches to explore, ranging from survivors of medieval times to more recent neogothic giants. Not to mention the landmark gothic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/stefansdom\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"294\">Stephansdom cathedral<\/a> that dominates the city centre skyline. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/churches\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"28720\">Find a list here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is also coffee house territory: you&#8217;re just a short walk away from a notable traditional caf\u00e9 or caf\u00e9-konditorei. Try, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/cafe-sacher\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22285\">Caf\u00e9 Sacher<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/gerstner-palais-todesco\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"81841\">Gerstner<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/cafe-frauenhuber\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27105\">Caf\u00e9 Frauenhuber<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/sluka-karntner-strase\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"42425\">Sluka<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to the Annakirche<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Annakirche sits in the pedestrianised heart of the city down a narrow lane leading off the busy K\u00e4rntner Stra\u00dfe. (So narrow, in fact, that getting good photos of the church proves quite a challenge.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Subway: the two main subway stations Stephansplatz (U1 and U3) or Karlsplatz (U1, U2 and U4) get you onto K\u00e4rntner Stra\u00dfe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tram\/bus: take the 1, 2, D or 71 trams to the Karlsplatz\/Oper stop and walk up into the centre. The old town bus lines also stop nearby: take the 2A to Albertinaplatz or K\u00e4rntner Stra\u00dfe, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: Annagasse 3b, 1010 Vienna | <a href=\"https:\/\/annakirche.at\/\">Website<\/a> (for the church)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1BrCYLfHiiy85k0jpzDwlKspb31KiYq4Y\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unremarkable outside. Astonishing inside. With Viennese classical concerts to enjoy, too<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27660,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-27656","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sights","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27656"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":87709,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27656\/revisions\/87709"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}