Russian Orthodox Church
History, Spirituality, and Beauty
While wandering Vienna’s third district of Landstraße, prepare yourself to be in awe when you see the Russian Orthodox Church (Russenkirche St. Nikolaus). The church's construction began in 1893 and was completed in 1899. Despite sustaining severe damage during WWII, the Russenkirche was re-opened right after the war and repaired until 1949.
One would not expect to see such an enormous Russian Orthodox church outside of Russia, and its size and beauty are often a shock to witness in Vienna. The origin of the church is linked to the diplomatic ties between Russia and Austria.
The church was built for the Russian community of Vienna, which had been there for ages, and is designed in the style of an authentic Russian Orthodox church. It has two towers with their characteristic onion domes. The church is dedicated to St. Nicholas and Alexander Nevsky, both of whom are depicted in paintings on the sides of the church.
