Maria am Gestade

Maria am Gestade, also known as Mary at the Shore, is a Gothic church located in Vienna, Austria. Let's delve into its fascinating history:

1. Origins and Early Worship:

   - Around the 9th century, there was supposedly a wooden church at this site, although this claim has been debated.

   - This early church served as a place of worship for fishermen and sailors.

   - Documented records mention the church as early as 1158.

2. Construction and Gothic Architecture:

   - The present building of Maria am Gestade was constructed between 1394 and 1414 in the Gothic style.

   - It stands as one of the oldest churches in Vienna, alongside St. Peter's Church and St. Rupert's Church.

   - The church's location near the Donaukanal (Danube canal) made it a place of worship for sailors on the Danube river.

   - The name "Maria Stiegen" became popular due to the stairs surrounding the church.

   - Maria am Gestade is a rare surviving example of Gothic architecture in Vienna.

3. Ownership and Enclave Status:

   - Ownership of the land changed hands over time, including the Diocese of Passau, the nearby Schottenstift, and Viennese families.

   - From 1302, the church was owned by the Herren von Greif.

   - Even after the establishment of the Archdiocese of Vienna in 1469, Maria am Gestade remained an enclave.

4. Decline and Restoration:

   - The church faced deconsecration in 1786 and gradually fell into disrepair, with parts being demolished.

   - During Napoleon's occupation of Vienna in 1809, it served as an arsenal and stable.

   - In 1812, the church underwent renovation and consecration, coming under the Redemptorist order.

   - The Gothic choir windows were relocated to Laxenburg in Lower Austria and installed in Franzensburg castle.

   - Further restoration work occurred in 1900 and 1930, focusing on the figures in the portico.

5. Distinctive Features:

   - The church's most striking characteristic is its 56-meter-high openwork tower, built between 1419 and 1428 in intricate Gothic scrollwork.

   - The tower is iconic and appears in some of the oldest images of the city.

   - The choir, constructed around 1330, contains two remarkable high Gothic panels from 1460.

Sources: 

(1) Maria Am Gestade. http://maria-am-gestade.redemptoristen.at/ 

(2) Maria am Gestade - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_am_Gestade

(3) Maria am Gestade | Vienna, Austria | Attractions - Lonely Planet https://www.lonelyplanet.com/austria/vienna/stephansdom-the-historic-centre/attractions/maria-am-gestade/a/poi-sig/1145276/1334249

(4) Catholic Church Maria am Gestade In Austria: History,Facts, & Services. https://www.adequatetravel.com/placeguide/Austria/catholic-church-maria-am-gestade-in-austria-history-facts-services