From the exterior of this building, it is quite difficult to guess that it is a church. It looks more like a palace! The facade, designed in the Baroque style, appeared in 1662 thanks to the wife of the Austrian Emperor Ferdinand III. She decided to remodel the building, which needed reconstruction after a fire, and invited the Italian architect Carlo Carlone. People admire the result of his work to this day: the church, which was originally built in the Gothic style, acquired a luxurious balcony, and the facade and roof were decorated with beautiful sculptures. By the way, it was from this balcony that Pope Benedict XVI greeted his flock gathered in the square in 2007.
Am Hof Square is also a historic landmark of Vienna. For centuries, all the city's most important events took place there, from fairs and markets to knightly tournaments and even executions. The name “Am-Hof” itself translates as “at court.” And the church inherited the same name. Although some still call it the Church of the Nine Angelic Choirs. This is because in the altar decoration you can see the Virgin Mary surrounded by nine angelic choirs.
Am Hof Church is still an active church. Services, weddings, and baptisms are held here.
