Kirche am Steinhof
   Photo: Kirche am Steinhof

Kirche am Steinhof, also called the Church of St. Leopold, situated on a hill in Vienna at Steinhof Psychiatric Hospital. It is considered one of the most interesting among the churches in the Art Nouveau style in the world. Built by architect Otto Wagner. Church engaged in design Koloman Moser (stained glass), Othmar Shimkovits and Richard Luksha.

The idea to build a clinic for the mentally ill appeared in the early 20th century due to the great popularity of psychoanalysis and treatment of mental disorders in Vienna. At the clinic Am Steinhof, it was decided to build a church, which was consecrated in honor of St. Leopold. It was built on a hill 310 meters high in 1907. Otto Wagner built a church in his trademark style: blue, gold-plated, forged elements. Along the perimeter of the figures of saints, among which is the figure of St. Leopold, holding in his hand a miniature copy of the church. It is said that this copy can be seen and the figure of St. Leopold.

The interior of the church was created in view of the fact that the congregation - is mentally ill people. Therefore, within the church, designed for 800 worshipers, no sharp angles, and the altar is separated from the hall. Entrance to the church separate for men and women, and the benches are separated by different categories of patients. The temple provides service outputs for emergency medical evacuations if necessary.

The church was restored for a long time, opened in October 2006. Interestingly, the image of the church Am Steinhof was chosen for the jubilee coin of 100 euros, which was struck in November 2005.

Currently, the church is open to visitors, tourists.

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