Augustinerkirche

  Situated in the Josefsplatz (Joseph's Square), next to the Hofburg-the winter palace of the Hapsburg family- is the delightful Augustinerkirche, or the St. Augustine Church. Originally built in the 14th century as the parish church for the Imperial Court of the Hapsburgs, it has both gothic and baroque architecture. Duke Frederick the Handsome founded the church in 1327 with a cloister for the Augustinean Friars. It took 12 years to complete but was not consecrated until 1349. During the reign of Holy Roman EmperorJoseph II (1765-1790), eldest son of Emperess Maria Theresa and brother of Marie Antoinette, 18 side altars were removed. Remaining along the right side of the church are the tombs of Maria Christina and her husband Duke Albert (however their bodies were removed and placed in St. Stephen's Cathedral). The Loreto Chapel to the right of the main altar holds several silver urns containing the hearts of Hapsburg rulers. Their bodies are in the Imperial Crypt at St. Stephen's.

The main Altar. The Loreto chapel is off to the right.

The main floor pipe organ.

...while the more elaborate pipe organ is located in the balcony.

The tomb of Maria Christina...

...and next to hers is the tomb of her husband, Duke Albert of Sachsen-Trescher (both bodies were re-buried in St. Stephen's Cathedral.