In the place where today is located the Franciscan church of St. Michael in Eisenstadt, Austria, was previously Minorite monastery with the Church of St. John the Evangelist. However, in 1529, during the first siege of Vienna by the Turks the monastery had been destroyed and nearly 100 years of the holy place was empty. Exactly as long as Count Nikolaus Esterházy in 1625 is not founded a Franciscan monastery.

Construction of the monastery lasted from 1625 to 1629 years, and the consecration of the church took place in 1630. The church vaults were equipped with five rooms in which is located the prince's tomb. But during the second siege of Vienna by the Turks and the church and monastery appeared burnt to ashes. In this time period before the restoration lasted about 70 years. This happened in 1772. And in the years 1777-1778 followed by the construction of the western church tower. From 1856 to 187 during the princely Esterhazy vault it was rebuilt and expanded.

This reconstruction work is not over. In 1898 followed the general repair of the church from 1958 to 1959 were carried out restoration works of the interior, and in 1971 was completely renovated facade.

The interior of the Franciscan church of St. Michael impresses with its splendor. The white walls and high vaults, three altars decorated in gold - here asceticism and luxury does not contradict, but in a sense, even complement each other.

For many years the family Esterhazy reflect on the possibility of opening the family crypt for public access. Currently we found an interim solution: a special mirror system allows visitors a glimpse into the prince's tomb without disturbing the peace of the dead aristocrats.