Votivkirche

The Votivkirche (Votive Church) is a 19th-century Gothic Revival church in Vienna, Austria. Situated at the south end of the Ringstraße, it is flanked by two monuments: the Philosophenbrunnen and the Siegesdenkmal. The church was built between 1856 and 1879 following the plans of Heinrich von Ferstel as a gesture of gratitude to God by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria after an attempt on his life in 1853. The inside of the church is richly decorated with ornate furniture from the late 19th century and a grand pipe organ. The nave is 41 m long and 25 m high, with a central dome decorated with mosaics by Viktor Tilgner depicting scenes from the life of Jesus and other religious figures. A statue of the Emperor stands in the chancel. The church is open to all visitors, who are welcome to explore its interior and admire its unique architecture.