Enjoying the Culture 151a part in forming the era. The monarchy held absolute
power, Catholicism reigned supreme after the defeat of
Protestantism, the threat of a Turkish invasion was gone,
and the wealth of the empire shone through in all forms of
art at that time.
Architecture
Without a doubt, the Baroque era left its most profound mark
on architecture. Artists knew of the wealth of the empire,
and its frenzy to build was a means to showcase the strength
of the Church and State. They came from far and wide to
exhibit their talents. The most famous architect was Johann
Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Some say he was the true
inventor of Austrian Baroque, adapting it from the Italian
style, which others before him had merely copied. In Vienna,
he designed the Karlskirche (Saint Charles Church), National
Library, State Chancellery, Royal Stables and palaces for
the nobility. He died in 1723 and his son Joseph Emmanuel
completed many of his projects.
Johann Lukas von Hildebrand designed the Belvedere and
the winter palace for Prince Eugene of Savoy, palaces for
the nobility, and the Federal Chancellery, Peterskirche (Saint
Peter’s Church) and the Piaristenkirche (Piaristen Church) for
the court. He also designed the Mirabell Palace in Salzburg.
Joseph Prandtauer can also be grouped with these two
architects, but because he spent most of his time working
on the glorious Abbey at Melk, he was not as prolific.
Baroque architecture can be found across the country.
Salzburg boasts many Baroque buildings, such as the
17th century cathedral and the Altes Residenz. One of
the architectural gems of Innsbruck is the Heblinghaus, a
15th century house that was redone in the rococo style.
Maximilian’s palace was also transformed in the 18th century
when it became the Hofburg.
Sadly, many Gothic churches and monasteries were redone
in the Baroque style. The Minoriten Church in Vienna suffered
this fate, but thankfully was returned to its original Gothic
style in 1784. Maria am Gestade, also in Vienna, is one of
the few beautiful Gothic churches in Austria which escaped