Karlskirche

The mighty green dome of the radiant Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles) towers over Karlsplatz. It is one of the most important sacred buildings in Central Europe and a symbol of Vienna.

The Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles) is the last great work of the eminent Baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Completed in 1739, it was built by virtue of a vow made by Emperor Charles VI during a plague. The church is dedicated to the Habsburg emperor’s namesake, St. Karl Borromäus. His life and works are depicted on the two giant columns (47 meters tall) next to the entrance portal. The lavish dome frescoes by Johannes Michael Rottmayr cover 1,250 m² of magnificent color.

Inside, the marble look dominates with red and gold accents, the sumptuously decorated high altar is also by the architect Fischer von Erlach. In the vestibule is a 2,47 meter-tall model of the church, which faithfully presents the details of both the interior and the imposing façade. Via the organ gallery, visitors reach the outside terrace directly above the entrance portal. From there they have a fantastic view of Karlsplatz, Resselpark, the Musikverein, and the Technical University of Vienna. The small but mighty Museo Borromeo, also called the treasury, shows sacred exhibition pieces, such as the historic traveling clothes of the namesake.

Events such as the Popfest, the Art Advent Market and many other public open-air events are regularly held in front of the Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles). The fountain, which is filled in summer and offers a breathtaking reflection of the church, is a popular social meeting point. A tip for fans of classical music: Church concerts – for example, Mozart’s Requiem or Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, are performed in the Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles) on a regular basis. During Advent, atmospheric gospel singing fills the sacred building. The acoustics are fantastic.

https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/sights/from-a-to-z/st-charles-church-359636

Photo: Thomas Ledl