Prandtauerchurch and Karmeliterhof

Baroque history and bourgeois present. Located directly on Rathausplatz, the ensemble of the former Carmelite Church, now known as the Prandtauer Church, and the Carmelite Court marks an urban highlight in St. Pölten. Once a place of monastic seclusion, later used for military purposes and now culturally influenced - the varied history of the building complex impressively reflects the upheavals of the city.

A baroque monastery building with a Viennese signature

The monastery was donated by Princess Maria Antonia Montecuccoli in 1708 and was originally built according to the plans of monastery architect Martin Wittwer. The building was completed by Jakob Prandtauer, to whom the ensemble also owes its popular name. The architectural signature of the church itself, however, goes back to the important Viennese architect and theater engineer Mathias Steinl - famous for the towers of Dürnstein and Zwettl. The characteristic concave curved façade in particular is due to him.

Despite Prandtauer's outstanding position in Austrian Baroque architecture, he was only responsible for the construction management of this building. Steinl's design, rich in movement and dramaturgy, is a rare example of the influence of Viennese High Baroque on the architecture of Lower Austria.

From monastery to barracks - and back to church

Like many religious houses, this one was also closed under Emperor Joseph II in the course of the abolition of the monasteries. From 1787, the complex served as barracks, the church was deconsecrated and subsequently used as a military and ammunition depot. The valuable church furnishings were transferred to surrounding places of worship.

In the 1920s, there were even plans to convert the building into a cinema, a museum or an event hall. However, the idea of preserving the monument finally prevailed: In 1934, under the direction of architect Rudolf Wondracek, the church was renovated and rededicated.

A year later, in 1936, the Hesser monument was unveiled on the northern outer wall of the church - a work by Leopold Schmidt and Herbert Dimmel. It commemorates the k.u.k. Infantry Regiment Freiherr von Heß No. 49, which was once stationed here.

A high altar from Aschach Castle

A significant addition to the baroque furnishings was made in 1961 with the transfer of the high altar from the castle chapel in Aschach (Upper Austria), built by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt in 1712, to the church. The central altarpiece, a crucifixion scene, is attributed to Giuseppe Ribera, while the upper painting is by Johann Georg Schmidt, the so-called "Viennese Schmidt".

The Carmelite Court today - art, culture, administration

The former monastery building still bears the coat of arms of the Carmelite Order above the right portal and that of the founding Montecuccoli family above the left. The Carmelite Court has long since left behind its original function as a place of prayer and pastoral care: Today, it houses the cultural administration of the city of St. Pölten, the city museum, the Lower Austrian Documentation Center for Modern Art, the city archives and several municipal departments.

The history of this baroque monastery ensemble lives on - not only in the masonry and frescoes, but also in the city's cultural present.