Wander the cool stone interior of the French Gothic-style Minorite Church and admire the statues and paintings around the high altar. Elsewhere you’ll see an impressive mosaic replica of Da Vinci’s paintingLast Supper and numerous frescoes of St. Francis and the various Austrian coats of arms.
Admire the impressive church as you approach, noting the pronounced arches and eight-sided tower which are typical of the French Gothic style. Then take the time to examine the numerous statues carved into the exterior walls. Enter through the main entrance and you’ll see a statue of Jesus on the cross above the main door, flanked by further carvings of Mary and John the Evangelist.
Make your way inside and allow your eye to be drawn to the high altar. Statues of kings and saints surround it while a painting of Maria Della Neve (Mary of the Snow) sits proudly above it. From here make your way to the church’s main attraction, Giacomo Raffaelli’s mosaic reproduction of the Last Supper. Admire how deftly he has recreated the glow of the sunset in the window and the detail of the disciples’ hair.
Continue exploring to discover another highlight, the Familienmadonna. This is a statue of Mary made in colored stone and is considered by many to be the church’s most valuable work of art. Elsewhere you will see a fine wall painting of St. Francis dating back to the 15th century and a monument to the famous preacher Clemens Maria Hofbauer.
The Minorite Church was constructed between 1276 and 1350 for Franciscan monks. You may also hear it called Italienische Nationalkirche Maria Schnee (Italian National Church of Mary of the Snows). This is due to King Joseph II who ordered the name change in 1782.
The Minorite Church is located in Vienna’s Inner Stadt, just northwest of the Hofberg Palace. Entry is free of charge.
