Classical Concert Tickets at St. Anne's Church Annakirche Vienna

St Anne's Church (Annakirche) in Vienna

The Annakirche stands on Annagasse, a quiet street between the Opera and St Stephen's Cathedral. A church has stood here since the fourteenth century, but the present baroque building dates mostly from the early seventeenth century, with later decoration added in the eighteenth.

Inside, the church is small and richly decorated, with a frescoed ceiling attributed to Daniel Gran and a golden high altar. It is often described as an architectural masterpiece and is a lesser-known alternative to the larger churches of the centre. For music lovers, it is one of the most atmospheric small venues in Vienna and a rewarding alternative to the crowded halls in the busiest tourist streets of the centre.

The classical concert

The concert lasts about 70 minutes and is played by a Viennese string ensemble, with a programme of familiar pieces by composers such as Mozart, Vivaldi, Bach and Strauss. The size of the church helps the strings sound warm and close, which is why so many people call it a good place for an intimate Vienna classical concert.

A printed programme is included so that you can follow the pieces. The ensemble usually chooses works that are easy to enjoy even if you are new to classical music. The programme is designed to be enjoyed by everyone, so it is a good first classical concert for children and teenagers as well as for adults who know the repertoire well.

Seating and atmosphere

Seating is free, which means you can choose your own place when you arrive. Arriving early gives you a better choice of seats near the musicians and a chance to look at the frescoes before the concert starts.

The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, and the audience is usually small. Dress smartly, as it is a church, and bring a jacket in cooler months because the building can be cold. Seating in the pews is on a first-come basis, so families and groups travelling together should arrive a little earlier to sit side by side. Many visitors also like to take a few quiet photographs of the dome before the lights dim.

Practical visit: how to get to the Annakirche

To get to the Annakirche, take the U1 or U3 to Stephansplatz and walk along Kärntner Strasse for about five minutes, turning into Annagasse. From the Opera it is a two-minute walk.

Concert dates and times change by season, so check the booking panel for the day you want. Arrive around 15 to 20 minutes early for the best choice of seats. The Annakirche is close to Vienna's famous shopping street, Kärntner Strasse, and to the State Opera, so dinner and a stroll fit easily around the concert. Late-evening trams and the metro make the journey back to your hotel simple.