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St. Rupert's Church (Ruprechtskirche), Vienna

4.2

#30 of 107 in Historic Sites in Vienna

Religious Site Tourist Spot

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St. Rupert's Church (Ruprechtskirche) is a Romanesque church in Vienna, Austria. Traditionally considered to be the oldest church in the city, St. Rupert's Church is dedicated to Saint Rupert of Salzburg, patron saint of the salt merchants of Vienna. The church is located in one of the oldest parts of the city, the section of the Roman Vindobona.
There is currently some debate whether the Ruprechtskirche is truly the oldest church in Vienna. Discoveries of old foundations under the St. Peter's Church and old graves under the St. Stephen's Cathedral have disputed the certainty of this label.
According to legend, it was founded by Cunald and Gisalrich, companions of Rupert during his occupation of the seat of bishop of Salzburg. However, because Salzburg had influence over religious issues in Vienna between 796 and 829, it is more probable that it was founded in this period.
The first reference in historical documentation is in a document of 1200 when Duke Heinrich II Jasomirgott describes a gift to the Schottenstift church. The document also mentions the Ruprechtskirche, which is labeled the oldest in the city.
After the destruction of the Roman settlement, the core part of the city grew in the area near the church. It was the seat of the religious administration before that function was transferred to the Stephansdom in 1147.

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St. Rupert's Church (Ruprechtskirche) Reviews

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130 reviews

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4.5

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4.2

18 likes

• By ANGELO V

  I tried several times to visit Ruprechtskirche, but I was not lucky. it's open only for a few hours each day, and it's closed on weekends. The exterior is nice, and it's the oldest church still standi...  more »

• By Leonardo M

  Una delle chiese più antiche di Vienna, piccola ma molto bella soprattutto all'interno, è affascinante anche perché sporge dalle vecchie mura direttamente sulla moderna Schwedenplatz offrendo un bel c...  more »

  One of Vienna's oldest churches, small but very beautiful especially inside, is fascinating also because it protrudes from the old walls directly on modern Schwedenplatz offering a nice contrast.
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• By Mark Klenk markklenk-com

  This church just absolutely amazed me with its simplicity, yet openness and use of the arts! The oldest standing church in Vienna, but is open-minded and creative. The freedom you feel when you are there is incomparable. At the same time they have preserved that dark-ages feeling that makes this church so attractive. I will definately go there again during the day when they are open!

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• By Julius Pastukas

  Evidently a very ancient edifice, probably the oldest one in the city. The walls are plain and austere. Now it even looks like it's out of place where it stands.

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