ARCHITECT, Austrian
(active 15th century in Vienna)

Exterior view

1398-1450
Photo
Maria am Gestade, Vienna

Maria am Gestade (Mary at the Shore) is one of the oldest churches and one of the few surviving examples of Gothic architecture in Vienna. The nave was built in 1398 and the upper stories of its tower were completed before 1450.

The architect of the church, Michael Chnab (c. 1350-after 1399), designed a work in which exotic elements create a refined and aristocratic design. The dome baldachins on the west and south portals appear to be bizarre architectural copies of sculptural works. The domed crown of the seven-sided tower is decorated with generous crocketing.

The photo shows the tower of the church, completed before 1450.