At this site on February 18, 1853, Emperor Franz Joseph I was stabbed in the neck. To give thanks for the failed assassination attempt, donations poured in from around Europe to build a church as a votive offering. The lacelike Gothic design of Votivkirche was created by Heinrich von Ferstel. He was one of the most influential architects in Vienna during the mid-19th century. Votive Church was consecrated in 1879 in time for the silver wedding jubilee of Franz Joseph and his wife Empress Elisabeth. The twin towers of this Roman Catholic church soar an impressive 325 feet.
