St. Michael’s Church (Michaelerkirche)
Michaelerplatz 5, Vienna, Vienna
A towering black spire stands above the Church of St. Michael, but the landmark’s biggest draw is below street level. Thousands of bodies have been laid to rest in the St. Michael’s Church crypt, whose cool conditions slow decomposition. In the main church, a magnificent 18th-century organ is used for baroque concerts.
Free admission at the Church of St. Michael means it’s easy to stop by during opening hours, but to see the crypt it’s important to plan ahead—they’re only accessible on guided tours. The church itself offers tours of the crypt two days a week; reservations are only necessary for groups of six or more. To see more of Vienna’s underground, consider a tour that combines the Church of St. Michael crypt with other buried spots, such as the Michaelerplatz Roman ruins.
- Art and architecture buffs will love the intricate marble sculptures here.
- Don’t miss the enormous organ, which is among Vienna’s most noteworthy.
- While the main entrance can be accessed with no steps, the church interior may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
The Church of St. Michael is located at Michaelerplatz 4-5 in the historic center, near the Imperial Palace (Hofburg). The closest subway station is Herrengasse, with service from the U3 line. To the east is the Stephansplatz station, with service from the U1 and U3 lines. The bus lines 1A and 2A stop at the Michaelerplatz bus station.
In addition to the church’s regular visiting hours, services are held daily at 6pm; while it’s a religious service, visitors are welcome to join. On Sundays and holidays, services are held at 10am, 12pm, and 6pm. To join a guided crypt tour, check the church website for hours and dates.
Regular performances show off the church’s 1714 organ, with shows led by the church’s music director or visiting musicians. From May through September, organ concerts are held on Saturday evenings; the 30-minute shows are followed by a guided tour of the truly impressive organ gallery. The guided tour is in German and English.
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