Vienna: ‘Armenia In The Heart Of Austria’ Tour

Exploring Vienna often means visiting iconic landmarks like the Hofburg Palace or St. Stephen’s Cathedral, but the ‘Armenia In The Heart Of Austria’ Tour offers a unique cultural experience tucked away in the city’s Vienna (State), Austria. Priced at $82 per person and lasting around 2 hours, this guided tour provides a deep look into Armenian heritage through the lens of the Mekhitarist congregation. It is especially suitable for those interested in religious history, Armenian art, and rare manuscripts, all within a small group setting that ensures attentive guides and plenty of personal attention.

This tour stands out thanks to its comprehensive exploration of Armenian culture in Vienna, combining historic sites, impressive art collections, and a taste of Armenian liqueur. Led by knowledgeable guides speaking Armenian, English, and German, it offers a chance to see remarkable architecture and treasured manuscripts that are rarely accessible to the general public. A key highlight is the library with over 2,800 Armenian manuscripts and 170,000 publications, making it one of the world’s most important Armenian collections outside Armenia.

Key Points

• Authentic Armenian cultural experience right in Vienna’s city center.
• Visit the Mekhitarist church and learn about its history since 1874.
• Explore the impressive library and museum, home to thousands of manuscripts, rare books, and Armenian art.
• See notable artworks, including an altar painting by Camillo Sitte and pieces designed by Theophil von Hansen.
• Visit the Loretto-Chapel, which holds the historic “Mary with the Rose” picture rescued from the 1683 Turkish siege.
• Enjoy a tasting of high-quality Mekhitarist liqueur, with insights into its history and production.

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Discovering “Small Armenia” in Vienna

The tour begins at the main entrance of the Mekhitarist Monastery, where the history of the congregation in Vienna is introduced. Founded in the 19th century, the monastery represents Vienna’s connection to Armenian heritage. The guide provides background on the church built in 1874, replacing an older Cappuccine church, and explains its significance in maintaining Armenian traditions abroad.

Walking into the Maria Schutz Church, visitors admire its interior architecture, with the guide highlighting its notable features. The tour emphasizes the church’s role in Armenian community life and its artistic elements, offering insight into Armenian religious art and the importance of the church as a cultural hub.

Inside the Maria Schutz Church

The interior of the Maria Schutz Church features distinctive Armenian religious art and architecture. The guide explains the symbolism behind various elements, illustrating how the church serves as a spiritual and cultural sanctuary. Visitors gain an appreciation for the church’s historical context and its role in preserving Armenian identity in Vienna.

A highlight here is the altar painting depicting St Mary’s protection of Armenia, created by Camillo Sitte. The guide points out the painting’s artistic details and significance. The altar dedicated to St Gregory the Illuminator, designed by Theophil von Hansen, also attracts attention, connecting Armenian saints with Vienna’s architectural history.

Exploring the Loretto-Chapel and Refectory

Next, the tour visits the Loretto-Chapel, home to the famous “Mary with the Rose” picture, which was rescued from the 1683 Turkish siege. This piece of Armenian religious art symbolizes resilience and historical continuity.

The Refectory is another key stop, where the monumental painting “The Feeding of the Five Thousand” by Ludwig Ferdinand Schnorr von Carolsfeld commands attention. The guide describes the artwork’s composition and its importance within the monastic setting, offering a glimpse into Armenian-inspired religious art.

The Mekhitarist Museum and Library Collection

The main highlight of the tour is the Mekhitarist Museum and Library, home to more than 2,800 Armenian manuscripts and 170,000 volumes of Armenian publications, including newspapers and magazines. This collection ranks among the most significant outside Armenia and offers a rare glimpse into Armenian literary heritage.

Visitors are led through various exhibitions, where they can see Armenian coins—part of a large numismatic collection of 10,000 Armenian and 20,000 foreign coins—as well as ceramics, carpets, and other Armenian-produced artifacts. The gallery also displays artwork by Armenian painters, including three pieces by Aivazovsky, adding visual richness to the historical collection.

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Unique Artworks and Artifacts in the Museum

Among the paintings by Armenian artists, the collection features notable works by Aivazovsky, providing insight into Armenian contributions to European art. The ceramics, carpets, and coins display the diverse material culture of Armenia, offering a well-rounded view of Armenian craftsmanship and history.

This rich collection demonstrates the cultural resilience and artistic vitality of the Armenian people. The museum’s extensive archives serve scholars and visitors alike, making it a treasure trove of Armenian heritage outside of Armenia.

The Secret of Mekhitarist Liqueur

The tour concludes with a liqueur tasting of high-quality Mekhitarist liqueur. During this tasting, guides share the story behind the liqueur’s creation, its distinctive flavor, and the families involved in its production. The taste connects visitors to the monastery’s long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and hospitality.

This unique tasting experience provides an authentic flavor of Armenian culture and offers a delicious end to the tour.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour begins at the main entrance of the Mekhitarist Monastery and ends back at the same point, making it easy to include in a day of exploring Vienna. Led by live guides speaking Armenian, English, and German, the group is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

The cost of $82 per person covers all entrance fees, guide service, and the liqueur tasting. With a flexible cancellation policy, travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The duration of approximately 2 hours suits those with limited time but wanting a rich cultural experience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour suits history buffs, art lovers, and anyone interested in Armenian culture. It offers a meaningful look at how Armenian traditions are preserved and celebrated outside their homeland. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a detailed and engaging experience, especially for those eager to explore Vienna’s lesser-known cultural gems.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Armenian Cultural Journey in Vienna

The ‘Armenia In The Heart Of Austria’ Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Armenian religious and artistic heritage within Vienna’s historic environment. Its focus on notable artworks, manuscripts, and artifacts, combined with a tasty liqueur experience, makes it a memorable cultural outing.

While the two-hour duration is concise, the tour’s rich content and personalized guides make it worth the price of $82. It’s especially ideal for visitors with an interest in religious art, Armenian history, or monastic collections who are eager to see a rare collection of Armenian manuscripts outside Armenia.

This experience stands out from typical city tours by offering a deep dive into Armenian culture right in Vienna’s city center. Anyone seeking a thoughtful, educational, and culturally rich activity will find this tour a valuable addition to their Vienna itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the content is educational and culturally enriching, the tour’s focus on manuscripts and religious art may be more engaging for adults or older children with an interest in history.

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts around 2 hours, making it a manageable activity within a day of exploring Vienna.

Are guides available in different languages?
Yes, the tour is led by live guides speaking Armenian, English, and German to accommodate diverse visitors.

Is there an opportunity to buy souvenirs or Armenian products?
The tour includes a liqueur tasting, but specific information about souvenir sales isn’t provided. The highlight remains the library collection and artworks.

Can I cancel or reschedule the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing travel plans.

What is included in the price?
The entrance fees, guide service, and liqueur tasting are included in the $82 fee.

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