Vienna - Votivkirche

The prebendal church Zum Göttlichen Heiland (The Divine Savior) was built as a votive offering after the abortive attempt in 1853 to assassinate Franz Joseph I. Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, Franz Joseph's brother, who was later to become Emperor of Mexico, led the way in raising the necessary finance. Heinrich Ferstel chose the Neo-Gothic style, in imitation of the French Gothic cathedrals, and the chancel is one of the best examples of 19th C. historically-inspired architecture.

The church possesses several important works of art. In the baptistery in the south transept can be seen Count Niklas Salm's Renaissance sepulchre (1530-33) surmounted by a recumbent figure of the Count (commander during the first Turkish siege in 1529) and with 12 superb reliefs on the sides; it is a product of Loy Hering's workshops. In the side chapel in the south transept the important 15th C. Antwerp Altar is beautifully carved and contains scenes from the Passion. In a niche in the north transept is a copy of Our Lady of Guadeloupe which serves as a reminder of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico, the church's first protector.