Overview

The square where the Heiligenkreuzerhof now stands was once, in 1030, the site of a merchants settlement. This was the home of many exporting merchants. As an estate surrounded by sturdy walls, it lay outside the Roman town fortifications. Allegedly, the free-standing buildings which from the 12th Century had been in the hands of the lower Austrian Cistercian order of the Heiligenkreuz 'Holy Cross' were only converted into a single construction after 1547. Its chapel is dedicated to Saint Bernhard and is one of the most beautiful baroque chapels standing in Vienna. Visits are only conducted with guides.