Peterskiche Dome Ceiling, Vienna

The uniquely oval shaped dome of Peterskirche, St. Peter's Church to English speakers, in Vienna, Austria. All of the structure to this ornate dome... more

by Douglas Taylor

Title

Peterskiche Dome Ceiling, Vienna

Artist

Douglas Taylor

Medium

Photograph - Fine Art Photography

Description

The uniquely oval shaped dome of Peterskirche, St. Peter's Church to English speakers, in Vienna, Austria. All of the structure to this ornate dome are illustrated in this photograph. The drum, with it 8 pillars and 8 window openings sited atop the vaulted ceiling lifts the wonderfully frescoed cupola high above the sanctuary below. At the center is the lantern. The design of the church was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica of the Vatican in Rome, but is ovoid in shape due to space constraints in the crowded confines of Vienna.

The colorful fresco in the cupola is titled represents "The Coronation of Our Lady", and was done by the Austrian painter Johann Michael Rottmayr in 1713.

As is typical of many European urban churches, Peterskirche is sited where a Roman church was originally built. That church was replaced by a Romanesque style church around 800 CE, supposedly by Charlemagne. It survived until 1661 when a fire badly damaged it.

The decision to build this structure was made by Leopold the 1st, and construction began in 1701. Francesco Martinelli was the main architect. By 1722, most of the building was finished, and in 1733 the Peterskirche was finally consecrated to the Holy Trinity. The new Catholic church was the first domed structure in baroque Vienna.

Uploaded

August 8th, 2023