Armenia In The Heart Of Vienna: Discover History of the Mekhitarist Order and Maria Schutz Church
5.0
4 Ratings
Wien
Immerse yourself in the history of the Mekhitarist Order and Maria Schutz Church in Vienna. Explore the museum and library, marvel at the impressive artwork, and indulge in the unique Mechitharine liqueur.
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Mekhitarist Congregation in Vienna - “Armenia in the Heart of Vienna” tour is an incredibly effective way to a greater understanding of the role that the Mekhitharist Order played and plays in the Armenian and Austrian legacy and how for nearly three centuries the Armenian Mekhitharist Order has been noted for its invaluable intellectual and scholarly achievements and for its (function, considerable importance) role in the Renaissance of Armenian Culture in the nineteenth century, how they became “the first pioneers of Austrian Culture in the Orient”.

A significant number of ancient and medieval manuscripts, coins, folk costumes, rugs, books, periodicals, and other items and intriguing individuals bring the past and present of Armenia to life in the heart of Austria during this tour. The participants of this incredible experience will explore and are challenged to ponder the meaning and the glory of the Mekhitharist Order.

What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Liqueur Tasting
  • Entrance fees to historical and cultural attractions
Additional Information

The exploration will commence with an overview of the historical background of the Mekhitarist Order in Vienna, a legacy traced back to the era when its founder, Abbot Mekhitar of Sebaste, established the Congregation in Constantinople.

The well-versed monk guiding you will spotlight the Maria Schutz Church, which was constructed in 1874, taking the place of the former Cappuccine one.

Further ahead, you’ll come across the Refectory, home to the awe-inspiring artwork known as ‘The Feeding of the Five Thousand’.

The journey will proceed to Mekitarists Museum & Library: immerse yourself in the intriguing sphere of the Mekitaris Library, home to one of the most remarkable compilations in the world. You’ll be guided through the assorted exhibits of the museum, and your escort will share insights about the unique characteristics of the Mekhitaris numismatic collection that houses coins, ceramics, carpets among other things.

To cap it all, you’ll get to indulge in the premium Mechitharine liqueur: become privy to some unknown facts about the Mechitharine liqueur universe, its distinct flavor, historical background, and associated families.

Location
Mechitaristengasse 4
Mechitaristengasse
Our guide will meet you in front of the main door of the Mekhitarist Monastery of Vienna.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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815aramd
Oct 30, 2023
An Armenian monastery, museum and library in the heart of Vienna. A must-go for any Armenians interested in history. - We had a great tour of the monastery including the museum and library. There were many interesting historical items in the museum and Father Vahagn's commentary and tour were great. I learned a couple of new things about Armenian History that day and it was also great to learn about the origins of the Mekhitarist in Vienna. We also taste-tested 3 different Mekhitarist liquor versions (bitter, sweet, and balanced) and were able to purchase some bottles at the end of the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lavo
Jun 1, 2022
Armenian cultural heritage at the center of Vienna - Today I got richer as an Armenian - I visited Mekhitarist monastery of Vienna, a place of concentration of Armenian wisdom and spirit. Mkhitar of Sebastia, born in 1676,founded his catholic congregation in 1701 in Constantinople.With his fellows he soon left the ottoman empire and founded a monastery in Methoni. After fall of Methoni to the sultan, the monks followed the withdrawing of venetians and received a little island in the laguna of Venice - San Lazzaro. In San Lazzaro was built the mekhitarists monastery and it is standing and functioning there to this day.In 1773 a group of Mekhitarists separated from Venice and opened new monastery in Trieste.In 1805 Trieste was occupied by the French and the monks lost everything as they were seen as Habsburg subjects.Then the monks had to leave Triest and seek refuge in Vienna. Emperor Francis I accepted the monks in 1810 and granted them residence in Vienna. Mekhitarists are considered Armenian Benedictines. The special scope of the Mekhitarists is their dedication to the preservation of the Armenian cultural heritage.The library of the monastery contains 2600 Armenian manuscripts,more than 120,000 books in Armenian. The museum holds art works of Aivazovsky,Bashinjaghyan and other famous Armenian artists, many important historical artefacts such as a flag of the First Republic of Armenia. The Mekhitarist monastery is a unique center of Armenian spiritual and cultural tradition.🇦🇲 This is a must see place for anyone in Vienna.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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