You'll be enchanted in 2024 by 'Aida' at St. Margarethen Quarry. But the internationally renowned open-air stage and its surroundings offer even more highlights. An open-air opera evening, international sculpture surrounded by rare plants and fossils hidden throughout the limestone - St. Margarethen Quarry harbours many secrets to be discovered in different ways.

St. Margarethen Quarry enchants even at first glance. Where limestone was quarried as a valuable building material for thousands of years, first-rate opera events take place today. The concert arena blends subtly into the man-made landscape framed by nature. Little by little, visitors become immersed in a world of art, culture and culinary delights. A visit to the opera at St. Margarethen Quarry promises pleasure for all the senses.

The white Leitha limestone provides the backdrop for unique musical experiences at the Opera in the Quarry. The Romans had already recognised its quality and exported it as far as Carnuntum. It was later used in many buildings in Vienna: St. Margarethen limestone brick is not only used in the renovations of St Stephen's Cathedral and St Charles' Church but can also be seen as a building material around Vienna's Ringstrasse. Over the centuries, its quarrying has created the depression that now serves as the opera venue: protected from the wind and surrounded by nature, the stage, auditorium, and opera lounge blend in seamlessly with their surroundings.

There is much more to see in St. Margarethen than just a very special opera performance. On performance days in July and August, visitors have the chance to take a look behind the scenes. A short tour gives individual guests and groups the opportunity to learn interesting facts about the piece, the work that goes on backstage and the numerous special effects - as a very special introduction to a very special evening. The stage tours can only be booked and attended with a ticket to the respective opera.

Along with the opera, the St. Margarethen Passion Play is a tradition that has continued for nearly 100 years. Through the years, what began in a farmhouse in 1926 and was later continued in the vicarage grew thanks to the commitment of the people of St. Margarethen, who pledged to organise the Passion Play every ten years. Soon, visitors were coming from far and wide to experience the story of Christ's suffering. At the suggestion of the artists' symposium, a new venue was finally found in the quarry in 1961 and another vow was made: The Passion of the Christ would now be performed here every five years. It is performed by amateur actors of all ages and professions, who often spend a long time preparing for their roles - growing beards, growing hair. Around 600 performers are involved every Passion Play year, and audiences are taken by the ancient backdrop. Like the opera, the Passion Play at St. Margarethen Quarry quarry is definitely worth a visit.

As well as the art, the Koglberg affords exciting vistas, while a guided tour of the St. Margarethen Quarry gives fascinating insights into the geology. Fossilised shells, algae and even fish have been uncovered at the quarry over the last few centuries. They bear witness to the time millions of years ago when the sea raged here, while also showing how nature, history and culture can merge in a marvellous way.

Children also love to dive into this world of stone and culture. Family tours of the St. Margarethen Quarry reveal to young guests the unique fusion of art and nature, the hard work on the stone, and how it is used today. The approximately 75-minute tour is by appointment and provides an overview of prehistoric rock, medicinal plants, works of art, and many a cawing, soaring bird. As part of the family festival at St. Margarethen Quarry, guests are welcomed by the princely castle dog Trampel. Excitement, games, and, of course, handicrafts, are in abundance at the beginning of June!