Vergilius Chapel, Medieval chapel in Innere Stadt, Austria
Vergilius Chapel is an underground chapel in the Innere Stadt that extends beneath the surface with a rectangular layout containing six decorated niches. The space sits deep below the modern street level and has been buried by centuries of construction and urban layers.
The chapel dates from the early 13th century and was built during Frederick the Warlike's reign between 1230 and 1246. It arose from the last Babenberg Duke's construction initiatives and stands among Vienna's oldest surviving structures.
The chapel displays medieval wall paintings and Celtic crosses set into its niches, reflecting the artistic language of Gothic Vienna. Visitors can see these works directly and understand the religious art tradition of that era.
Access to the chapel runs directly through Stephansplatz metro station, making it straightforward to reach. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since descent involves stairs and the underground space is cool and damp.
The chapel remained completely hidden for over a century until workers accidentally discovered it in 1973 during Vienna's subway construction. This unexpected find revealed one of the city's oldest surviving sacred spaces.
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