St Nicholas Cathedral in Vienna, also known as the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, is an Orthodox church in the Austrian capital’s third district. It serves as the cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Vienna and Austria and is an important example of Russian-Byzantine architecture in Austria.
The cathedral was built between 1893 and 1899 as the church of the Russian embassy. The design was created by Grigori Kotov, with construction supervised by Luigi Giacomelli. Emperor Alexander III provided substantial financial support. The upper church is dedicated to St Nicholas, while the lower church honours St Alexander Nevsky.
Architecture and sacred objects
The building is distinguished by five onion domes, a richly decorated façade, frescoes, mosaics and Orthodox icons. Its appearance contrasts with Vienna’s Gothic and Baroque churches and reflects the historical connections between Austria and Russia.
Important sacred objects include the icon of the Mother of God known as the Deliverer, an icon of St Nicholas and particles of the saint’s relics. The icon of St Nicholas was presented to the church by Patriarch Alexy I.
History and community life
Worship ceased after diplomatic relations between Russia and Austria-Hungary were broken at the beginning of the First World War. The cathedral reopened in 1945 and later became an important spiritual centre for Vienna’s Orthodox community.
Services, religious discussions and cultural events take place at the cathedral. The parish also supports a Sunday school and a church choir. The building has a wider historical connection with diplomatic and cultural relations between Russia and Austria.
Location and transport
The address is Jauresgasse 2, 1030 Vienna, Austria. The Rennweg suburban railway station is nearby. The Ungargasse/Neulinggasse stop is served by tram line O and bus 4A. The nearest underground station is Stadtpark on line U4.
Opening hours and guided tours
According to official information, the upper church is open on weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00, on Saturdays from 8:30 to 19:30 and on Sundays from 8:30 to 18:00. The lower church is open on weekdays from 7:30 to 10:00 and on Sundays from 7:00 to 10:30.
Guided tours are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 14:00 to 16:00 for individuals and groups. Languages include German, Russian, English, French, Italian and Polish. Check the cathedral’s official website in advance for current visiting arrangements.
Gallery
