Schottenkirche
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Schottenkirche, in Vienna, is a church originally founded for Irish Benedictine monks in the 12th century. The name Schotten comes from the Latin term for Ireland, Scotia Minore, and the surrounding buildings are still inhabited by Benedictine monks.
An earthquake circa 1443 greatly damaged the existing church on the site. Restorations were completed by 1449 but poorly done, due to lack of money, and on May 21, 1634, the roof collapsed in full view of Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor. One year later lightning struck the tower, which burst into flames. Although it was restored, two years later it collapsed without warning. As a consequence of such structural calamities, architects Carlo Carlone and Marco Spazzio were hired in 1648 to rebuild the church in Baroque style. Andrea Allio reworked the nave and the west side. The choir tower was dedicated only in the year 1893.
Inside, the church is now in high-baroque style with several chapels. Between 1883-1889, Heinrich Ferstl renovated the high altar with Innsbruck glass mosaics. Julius Schmid was artist for the fine ceiling paintings.
After composer Joseph Haydn died in Vienna, a great memorial service was held in the Schottenkirche on June 15, 1809, at which Mozart’s Requiem K.626 was performed. Noted film director Fritz Lang was born in the parish and baptized in the Schottenkirche font.
