Maria am Gestade (Mary at the Shore), Vienna

Maria am Gestade (Mary at the Shore) stands as a venerable Gothic church within Vienna. It ranks among the city's oldest religious edifices, sharing this distinction with Saint Peter's Church and Saint Rupert's Church. Additionally, it represents a rare surviving specimen of Gothic architectural style. Situated in Vienna's Innere Stadt, specifically at Salvatorgasse 12, in proximity to the Donaukanal, this church traditionally served the needs of Danube river sailors. Its name harkens back to its original location on the Fluvial terrace of a Danube river branch prior to regulation efforts.

The church's most prominent feature is its towering open-work structure, rising to a height of 56 meters (about 180 feet). This Gothic marvel was constructed between 1419 and 1428, featuring intricate scroll-work. Its distinct appearance can be discerned from afar and is depicted in the earliest depictions of the city. The choir, whose construction commenced in 1330, contains two splendid examples of high Gothic panels. The church's medieval stained glass windows remain, with the nave's narrower design influenced by the Danube's course. Construction began in 1400, attributed to Duke Albrecht III.

Maria am Gestade boasts three porticoes adorned with reliefs and sculptures. The choir door exhibits depictions of the Virgin of Mercy and the Coronation of the Virgin, both dating back to around 1350. These can be observed on the Middle Portal, which features realistic representations of angels playing musical instruments. The main portal on the west facade features canopies with reliefs of Saint Johns (Baptist and Evangelist) from around 1410, reminiscent of Prague's Saint Vitus Cathedral. Additionally, the church has 20th-century sculptures and mosaic decorations.