Wotruba Church, Brutalist church in Mauer, Austria
The Church of the Most Holy Trinity comprises 152 massive concrete blocks of varying dimensions arranged asymmetrically on a hillside in southern Vienna. Narrow gaps between blocks accommodate glass panels that channel natural light into the interior spaces. The structure rises in stepped formation toward its peak, resembling an abstract concrete sculpture. Interior spaces open upward with varying ceiling heights determined by the positioning of surrounding blocks.
Construction took place between 1974 and 1976 following designs by sculptor Fritz Wotruba on land formerly occupied by barracks during the Third Reich era. Wotruba died in 1975 before completion, with his student Josef Lackner and architect Fritz Gerhard Mayr overseeing the final execution. The consecration ceremony occurred on October 23, 1976. In subsequent decades the church became a reference work for postwar sacred architecture and continues to draw international attention.
This Catholic parish church serves both liturgical needs and attracts architecture enthusiasts who study its unconventional design language. Since the 1970s, the building has functioned as a meeting point for those interested in modern sacred spaces. The design sparked heated debate when first revealed but has gained recognition as an important contribution to contemporary ecclesiastical architecture within Austria and internationally.
The church sits on a hill in the Liesing district and can be reached by public transport from central Vienna. Visitors may view the interior during service times or by prior arrangement. The approach requires sturdy footwear due to the uphill path. No dining facilities operate nearby, so plan accordingly before visiting. The building measures 98 feet (30 meters) in length and 72 feet (22 meters) in width.
Individual concrete blocks vary dramatically in volume and weight, with the smallest measuring about 30 cubic feet (0.84 cubic meters) at 4,000 pounds (1.8 metric tons), while the largest reach 2,260 cubic feet (64 cubic meters) at 310,000 pounds (141 metric tons). These differences create shifting light conditions inside that change with time of day and sun position. Some blocks function as supports while others appear to float. Irregular spacing between elements produces dynamic patterns of light and shadow in constant transformation.
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