Votive Church, also known as Votivkirche, is one of Vienna’s most remarkable neo-Gothic churches and also the unique home of the Light of Creation immersive light show. Its soaring twin spires and richly detailed stonework make it a spectacular place to admire historic architecture, and the modern light experience offers a fresh way to see this iconic structure come alive. 
Quick facts about the Votivkirche:
Light of Creation is a 30-minute immersive light and sound experience presented inside the Votive Church. Through projection mapping and a specially composed soundtrack, the show narrates the story of creation across six visual acts.
The ribbed vaults, arches, and columns become projection surfaces, transforming the neo-Gothic interior into a dynamic visual landscape. The historic structure itself plays a central role in the storytelling.
The show creates a striking contrast between 19th-century sacred architecture and contemporary digital artistry. Rather than altering the church, it highlights its scale and details through light, offering a new way to appreciate the building’s grandeur.
The show does not replace the church’s historical identity. Instead, it enhances appreciation of its structure by highlighting architectural details through light and sound.
In 1853, Emperor Franz Joseph I survived an assassination attempt. His brother Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian called for the construction of a church as a votive offering of gratitude for the emperor’s survival. Public donations from across the empire funded the project, giving the church both religious and political significance.
Construction began in 1856 and took over two decades to complete. The church was consecrated in 1879, coinciding with the silver wedding anniversary of Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth. Its completion marked one of the most ambitious architectural projects of Vienna’s Ringstrasse era.
Beyond its religious purpose, the Votive Church symbolized the stability and unity of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Positioned prominently along the newly developed Ringstrasse, it became part of Vienna’s grand urban transformation in the late 19th century.
The church is one of the most important Neo-Gothic buildings in Europe. Inspired by French Gothic cathedrals, its design emphasizes verticality, pointed arches, and elaborate tracery. The style aimed to evoke medieval spirituality while showcasing 19th-century craftsmanship.
The twin towers rise approximately 99 meters into the Vienna skyline. Their slender, symmetrical design draws the eye upward, reinforcing the Gothic principle of height and transcendence. The spires are among the defining features of Vienna’s architectural panorama.
The exterior facade is richly decorated with sculpted figures, pinnacles, and intricate stone carvings. Every detail was carefully crafted to mirror medieval Gothic cathedrals, yet executed with the precision of modern engineering techniques of the time.
Inside, ribbed vaults soar high above the nave, creating a dramatic sense of space. The basilica's layout guides visitors through a harmonious progression of arches and columns, enhancing the feeling of lightness despite the monumental stone structure.
The church features remarkable stained glass windows, many dating back to the 19th century. These windows filter natural light into vibrant colors, adding depth and atmosphere to the interior. The play of light across the stone surfaces enhances the contemplative setting.
The high altar and side chapels are adorned with detailed sculptures and decorative elements. Religious artworks and liturgical furnishings reflect both Gothic inspiration and the artistic movements of the late 19th century.
Today, the Votive Church represents a meeting point of past and present. By day, it stands as a monumental example of 19th-century sacred architecture. During the immersive show, it becomes a dynamic artistic space that reinterprets its grandeur through contemporary storytelling.
This dual identity makes the Votive Church not only a landmark of historical importance but also a venue for innovative cultural experiences.
No. The show is a separate cultural event hosted within the church and requires dedicated tickets. Explore your Light of Creation tickets here.
The term “votive” refers to something offered in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude. The church was built as an offering of thanks after Emperor Franz Joseph I survived the 1853 assassination attempt.
While St. Stephen’s Cathedral dates back to the medieval period, the Votive Church is a 19th-century neo-Gothic revival structure. It was intentionally designed to emulate medieval Gothic architecture using modern construction techniques of its time.
The church was primarily constructed using limestone and other durable stone materials, carefully selected to achieve detailed carvings and long-lasting structural stability.
Yes. The Votivkirche in Vienna contains historic stained glass windows, neo-Gothic altars, sculptures, and decorative liturgical furnishings that reflect late 19th-century craftsmanship.
The height of the nave, vaulted ceilings and large stone surfaces allow projections to fully envelop the interior during Light of Creation. The structure itself becomes part of the visual storytelling.
Vienna: Light of Creation Votivkirche
