“Long Night of the Churches”
May 27, 2011

The “Long Night of the Churches” is a joint project of all 14 Christian denominations that are represented in the World Council of Churches in Austria.
Since 2009 cities and dioceses in neighbouring countries have been offering a Long Night of the Churches in similar form (Brno in the Czech Republic, Lana in South Tyrol).

There are more than 300 churches in Vienna – almost all of them are interesting for the art historian, but even more interesting is the life taking place behind the doors. The “Long Night of the Churches” shows what our churches offer: you can discover interesting artistic details, enjoy the view over the rooftops of Vienna from the steeples of the city and explore the secret passages under the church premises, you may meditate to Gregorian chants and experience a rock concert from the first church bench, or participate in a religious service once again – we invite you to learn what the church can be.


Review 2010: On May 28, more than 720 churches throughout Austria opened their doors, and with over 3,400 different programme points invited people to get acquainted with them. The Long Night was received enthusiastically by many people not only in our country, but also in the Czech Republic – in our neighbour country’s eight dioceses, 320 churches also participated with a “Noc kostelu”. “Not only does the Long Night make a contribution to getting to know churches”, but, as Federal President Heinz Fischer wrote in his address, it also may instigate one “to think about oneself and the meaning of life, or take inspiring conversations back home.” The Long Night 2010 again offered an opportunity to discover churches as places of contemplation, gain uncommon insights, and maybe discover one or the other church around the corner anew.

The next “Long Night of the Churches” takes place on May 27, 2011.

Erste Bank supports the “Lange Nacht der Kirchen”.