Jesuit Church

Dr. Ignaz Seipel Platz, 1010 Vienna
former University Church (690.363)

General and Historical Facts

In 1622, Emperor Ferdinand II (1578–1637put the Jesuit Order in charge of the University. The Emperor also donated the Church whose design is based on plans by Giovanni Battista Carlone. It was consecrated by Cardinal Dietrichstein in May 1631. Emperor Leopold I (1640–1705) called Jesuit brother Andrea Pozzo to come to Vienna, who became the architect, sculptor and painter of the Church and gave it today’s characteristic look, reflecting the High Baroque style. After the Jesuit Order was dissolved, the Church was handed over to the Benedictine Order of Schwarzspanier (meaning black Spaniards) in 1773.

It later became a Garrison Church and was used as a branch church of the town parish until it was given back to the Jesuits in 1857 in whose hands it has remained ever since. The Church underwent full refurbishment on the inside between 1896–1914, in the course of which the ceiling frescoes were greatly intervened with.

It was fully refurbished again between 1986 and 1998, yet this time both, on the in- and on the outside. Eventually, it was inaugurated in a festive manner by Theatrum Mundi Hierlanda. 

Occupant: 
Jesuits in Vienna I and Jesuits in Austria

Burghauptmannschaft Österreich – Departments in charge:
Building Management: Dep. 402 – Winter Palace
HVAC: Dep. 402 – Winter Palace
Property Management: Dep. 201 – Administration