THE PLACE TO EXPLORE

THE VIENNA KARLSKIRCHE

Vienna has a number of magnificent churches and one of the most beautiful is the Karlskirche. While St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Charles Church is a magnificent Baroque building. Restored a few years ago, it now shines again in all its glory.

Vienna’s Karlskirche is just as interesting for architecture and art lovers as it is for history buffs. The combination of different stylistic models from Byzantium to Rome and Vienna is remarkable. But perhaps that is what makes this church so charming.

A magnificent building for a vow

The church was commissioned by Emperor Charles VI. During a devastating plague epidemic in Vienna, he made a vow to have a church built. One of the most important architects of the time was chosen for the construction: Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. He had already built numerous churches and palaces in Salzburg and Vienna, including Klessheim Palace in Salzburg.

Construction began in 1716, three years after Emperor Charles’ vow, and the church was completed by 1739. It was dedicated to the plague saint and patron saint of the emperor, St. Charles Borromeo. His life is depicted in reliefs on the two pillars to the right and left of the original main entrance. The relief on the gable roof shows how the plague in Vienna came to an end thanks to the intercessions of St. Charles Borromeo.

A dome full of wonders

The dome of St. Charles Church is remarkable and worth seeing in many ways. With a diameter of 25 meters, it still looks narrow from the front, as it is oval and not round. But the inside is really interesting.

A ceiling fresco by the Salzburg Baroque painter Johannes Michael Rottmayr covers an area of 1250 m². It shows the glorification of St. Charles Borromeo and was also restored. In the course of this work, the fresco could be viewed. The interest was and is so great that today there is a permanently installed panoramic lift with a platform. Here you can view the frescoes up close and in detail. An opportunity that you won’t find in any other church. The lift in the middle of the church is a little unusual, but this unique experience is worth it.

Important for your visit

You can reach St. Charles Church easily and conveniently from our hotels, Hotel IMLAUER Vienna and Hotel Nestroy Vienna. Take the subway line U 1 to the station “Karlsplatz” and walk through the park.

The entrance to St. Charles Church is on the left-hand side. The church is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 12.00 pm to 7.00 pm. The panorama lift can be used Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 12.00 pm to 6.30 pm

The entrance fee including panorama lift is € 8.00 per adult.

The lift takes you to a height of 32 meters, from where several steps lead further up. Be aware of this and if you are afraid of heights, it is better not to visit the frescoes.

Around the Karlskirche

Every Easter and Advent, the square in front of St. Charles Church is used for a market. Here you will find a range of stalls selling arts and crafts, jewelry, creative items and culinary delights. The atmosphere in front of St. Charles Church is particularly unique during Advent, when the square is lit up.

While you are here, you should not miss a visit to the Wien Museum. It is located just to the left of St. Charles Church and displays numerous artifacts from the city’s history in an impressive and exciting way. Changing exhibitions complete the program.