Photo: Michale Pinzolits

Haydnkirche mit Haydnmausoleum und Kalvarienberg und Diözsanmuseum

Eisenstadt, Burgenland

HAYDN CHURCHThe Haydn Church, also called the Bergkirche, is one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Burgenland. The pilgrimage church "Visitation of Mary" was built between 1715 and 1803 according to the plans of Prince Paul I Esterházy. The part that has been developed today represents only the presbytery of the planned giant church. The altarpiece "Visitation of Mary" is a copy of the Dorffmeister painting from 1797. The ceiling fresco "Ascension of Christ" is by Wolfgang and Christian Köpp, two fresco painters from Eisenstadt (1722). The famous Haydn organ (1797) stands in the gallery. HAYDN MAUSOLEUMUnder the north tower is the dignified, atmospheric burial place of Joseph Haydn – the Haydn Mausoleum. This significant tomb is the destination of countless music lovers from all over the world. Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) worked at the court of the Esterházy family for over 40 years. After his death, he was first buried in Vienna, transferred to Eisenstadt in 1820, and interred in the mausoleum in 1954. CALVARY MOUNTThe famous Calvary Mount rises directly adjacent to the Haydn Church. It was built between 1701 and 1707 according to the plans of the Franciscan lay brother Felix Niering, commissioned by the Esterházy princes. Stairs and dark passages lead through an artificial mountain built of stones, past niches, grottoes, and small chapels, in which the Passion of Christ is impressively depicted with life-sized wooden figures. The Chapel of Grace, built as the Mount of Olives Chapel at the beginning of the Calvary Mount, is now a popular pilgrimage site with its statue "Mary with Child," revered as miraculous. From the highest point of the Calvary Mount, visitors have a wonderful view of the Wulka plain all the way to Lake Neusiedl. DIOCESAN MUSEUMSince 2024, the Diocesan Museum has enriched the sights in the sacred building. The newly designed treasury presents a selection of liturgical objects, textiles, and votive offerings. Particularly noteworthy are the Baroque sacristy, accessible to the public for the first time, and the newly designed Provost's Gallery. In annual special exhibitions, the museum illuminates topics such as Burgenland church history and ecclesiastical cultural history.