St. Rupert's Church (Ruprechtskirche)
Ruprechtsplatz 1, Vienna, Vienna, 1010
As Vienna's oldest church, it's no wonder that St. Rupert's Church (Ruprechtskirche is among the city's top attractions. The structure is nothing if not historic: it dates to the eighth century, and is made of stone taken from a Roman settlement. The evolving architecture here marks history—the building is Gothic, but the tower is Romanesque.
The basics
Though St. Rupert's may not be as glamorous as Vienna's towering St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this humble site is worth a stop for travelers that want to uncover a key piece of Vienna history. St. Rupert's is often included on sightseeing tours and small-group walking tours of Vienna's first district—known as the Innere Stadt—and because of its central location, the church is easy to add to an independent itinerary or even a private city tour.
Things to know before you go
- The church is named for the patron saint of Salzburg, St Rupert, and is associated with that city's historic salt mining industry.
- Don't miss the stained glass window dating to the 14th century, depicting the Madonna.
- Check the calendar before you arrive, since prayer services and events may prevent church entry.
- St. Rupert's offers free admission.
How to get there
St. Rupert's Church is located on the cobblestoned Ruprechtsplatz, in Vienna's historic Innere Stadt area. Though guided tours are the most convenient way to see the church, independent travelers can hop on the metro. Plan to take U1 or U4 metro line to the Schwedenplatz stop. The church is just a 5-minute walk from the station.
When to get there
St. Rupert's Church holds limited weekday hours, offers confession hours each Saturday, and hosts religious services each Sunday (so Sunday visitors may not see the church interior). St. Rupert's also holds public events, including prayer services and evening concerts, so check the calendar before you arrive to see if you can attend a special event.
How to Learn About Vienna History
With numerous historic sights located within blocks of St. Rupert's Church, visitors are in the right place to uncover Vienna's storied past. Though independent walking tours are a great way to explore, guided history tours are the best way to learn about this ancient city. Tours typically include a walk along the Ringstrasse, views of the Hofburg Palace, and stops at religious sights like St. Rupert’s Church, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
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