'Armenia In The Heart Of Vienna

Overview

Available languages

German

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

The tour will begin with an introduction to the history of the Mekhitarist Order in Vienna, recovered from bygone days when Abbot Mekhitar of Sebaste, founded his Congregation in Constantinople.

Your learned monk will highlight the Church Maria Schutz built in 1874 replacing the old Cappuccine one.

Go on and pass the Refectory, marvel at the most impressive element in the refectory: "The Feeding of the Five Thousand".

Your tour will continue on to the Mekitarists Museum & Library: dive into the fascinating world of the Mekitaris Library and discover one of the most outstanding collections in the world. We'll accompany you through the various exhibitions of the museum and your guide tell you more about the special features of the Mekhitaris numismatic collection of coins, ceramics, carpets & other items.

In the end, you will taste high-quality Mechitharine liqueur: you'll discover some of the secrets about the Mechitharine liqueur world, its unique taste, history and families.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

"Armenia in the Heart of Vienna" tour is an incredibly effective way to a greater understanding of the role that the Mekhitharist Order played and plays in the Armenian and Austrian legacy and how for nearly three centuries the Armenian Mekhitharist Order has been noted for its invaluable intellectual and scholarly achievements and for its (function, considerable importance) role in the Renaissance of Armenian Culture in the nineteenth century, how they became "the first pioneers of Austrian Culture in the Orient". A significant number of ancient and medieval manuscripts, coins, folk costumes, rugs, books, periodicals, and other items and intriguing individuals bring the past and present of Armenia to life in the heart of Austria during this tour. The participants of this incredible experience will explore and are challenged to ponder the meaning and the glory of the Mekhitharist Order.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Local guide

Liqueur Tasting

Entrance fees to historical and cultural attractions

Options

2023-24

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Free Liquor and Stories
Lenard W,,Jun 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
There is a lot of history inside the monastery. It was founded in the 17th century. The liquor is one of the best in the world.
Fantastic guided tour
constanzej188,,Nov 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was just great. My father (for whom it should be a surprise) was very happy. Father Vahan made the tour quite wonderful. The monastery is breathtaking and there are so many beautiful pieces to visit and interesting information to hear. We were all very enthusiastic and can definitely recommend this tour.
An Armenian monastery, museum and library in the heart of Vienna. A must-go for any Armenians interested in history.
815aramd,,Oct 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great tour of the monastery including the museum and library. There were many interesting historical items in the museum and Father Vahagn's commentary and tour were great. I learned a couple of new things about Armenian History that day and it was also great to learn about the origins of the Mekhitarist in Vienna. We also taste-tested 3 different Mekhitarist liquor versions (bitter, sweet, and balanced) and were able to purchase some bottles at the end of the tour.
Very successful tour
Hocico,,Oct 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
After we first learned something about the history of the Mekhitarists in Vienna, we looked at the church - then the library and the museum. We saw some very impressive paintings. The library was very impressive, not only because of the books, but also because of the furniture. And at the end there was also a liqueur. It was well worth it. The group is not too big either, so it is easy to ask questions.
Armenian cultural heritage at the center of Vienna
Lavo A,,Jun 1, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Today I got richer as an Armenian - I visited Mekhitarist monastery of Vienna, a place of concentration of Armenian wisdom and spirit. Mkhitar of Sebastia, born in 1676,founded his catholic congregation in 1701 in Constantinople.With his fellows he soon left the ottoman empire and founded a monastery in Methoni. After fall of Methoni to the sultan, the monks followed the withdrawing of venetians and received a little island in the laguna of Venice - San Lazzaro. In San Lazzaro was built the mekhitarists monastery and it is standing and functioning there to this day.In 1773 a group of Mekhitarists separated from Venice and opened new monastery in Trieste.In 1805 Trieste was occupied by the French and the monks lost everything as they were seen as Habsburg subjects.Then the monks had to leave Triest and seek refuge in Vienna. Emperor Francis I accepted the monks in 1810 and granted them residence in Vienna. Mekhitarists are considered Armenian Benedictines. The special scope of the Mekhitarists is their dedication to the preservation of the Armenian cultural heritage.The library of the monastery contains 2600 Armenian manuscripts,more than 120,000 books in Armenian. The museum holds art works of Aivazovsky,Bashinjaghyan and other famous Armenian artists, many important historical artefacts such as a flag of the First Republic of Armenia. The Mekhitarist monastery is a unique center of Armenian spiritual and cultural tradition.🇦🇲 This is a must see place for anyone in Vienna.