Spinnerin am Kreuz, Gothic wayside shrine in Wiener Neustadt, Austria.
Spinnerin am Kreuz is a Gothic sandstone column standing in Wiener Neustadt with religious carvings arranged in distinct sections from base to top. Each section displays different figures and decorative elements that form a complete narrative composition.
The sandstone monument was built between 1382 and 1384 by sculptor Michael Knab, with funding provided by the city's mayor at that time. The quick completion demonstrates how important this project was to the community.
The shrine displays religious scenes and holy figures that once served as visual teaching for the community about Christian faith and values. Such public religious monuments helped people in medieval towns connect with stories they learned in church.
The monument is located in Walter-von-der-Vogelweide Park near the city cemetery and is easy to reach. The park provides a pleasant setting for a visit, and additional related items are displayed in the local museum.
The third level of the monument features carved portraits of the mayor and the sculptor alongside their wives, creating a rare record of these individuals from that era. Including family members on a religious monument was unusual and reveals their personal stake in the project.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
