The Baroque church of St. Charles Borromeo, known as the Karlskirche, is one of Vienna's most striking monuments.
The church stands on Vienna's Karlsplatz (Charles Square) and was built between 1715 and 1737 during the reign of Charles VI as a token of gratitude for the end of the plague epidemic.
Architecture and history
Construction of the Karlskirche began in 1715, when Charles VI commissioned architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach to design it. The church was completed and consecrated in 1737.
The Karlskirche was built on the basis of Charles VI's promise to have a monumental church built as a token of gratitude if the plague would subside.
Architecturally, the church ranks among the most typical Baroque buildings and the most significant Baroque monuments in Vienna.
The Karlskirche is 80x60 metres and the dome rises to a height of 72 metres. The façade is dominated by two columns over 60 metres high with spiral frescoes inspired by Trajan's Column in Rome.
The interior of the church boasts particularly beautiful frescoes on the ceiling of the dome, which can be viewed up close from the 33-metre-high panoramic lift.
Admission and opening hours
For the faithful, the church is open daily from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, on Saturdays from 8:30 am and on Sundays from 9:00 am.
For tourists, the church is then open daily between 9:00-19:00, and from 12:00 on Sundays. The last ride of the panoramic elevator is always at 17:30.
Admission costs 8 eur.
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