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St. Charles's Church: A Baroque Masterpiece

A symbol of Vienna, Karlskirche blends Baroque architecture with historical significance, offering stunning art and panoramic city views.

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St. Charles's Church (Karlskirche), an iconic symbol of Vienna, is a stunning Baroque church commissioned by Emperor Charles VI in the early 18th century. Built to commemorate the end of a plague epidemic, it stands as a testament to Vienna's resilience and artistic grandeur, featuring impressive architecture and rich historical significance.

A brief summary to St. Charles's Church

Local tips

  • Take the panoramic elevator to the dome for a close-up view of the frescoes and a great view of Vienna.
  • Attend a classical music concert at Karlskirche for a memorable experience with fantastic acoustics.
  • Visit the Museo Borromeo to see sacred artifacts and learn more about the church's history.
  • Explore Karlsplatz and nearby attractions like the Vienna Secession and Naschmarkt.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Karlskirche is easily accessible via Vienna's efficient public transport system. Take the U1, U2, or U4 subway lines to Karlsplatz station. From Karlsplatz, follow the signs to the Resselpark exit. As you walk through the park, Karlskirche will be visible on your right. A single 지하철 티켓 costs €2.40.

  • Walking

    Karlskirche is located near the city center and is within walking distance of many major attractions, including the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein. From the Vienna State Opera, walk south along Kärntner Straße, then turn left onto Karlsplatz. The church will be directly in front of you. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Vienna. A short taxi ride from Stephansplatz to Karlskirche typically costs between €7 and €9 and takes about 6 minutes. Alternatively, ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available at the Karlsplatz Garage. The entrance is located at Mattiellistraße 2-4. Hourly rates are approximately €3, with a daily maximum of around €18. Evening rates (5:00 PM to 2:00 AM) are around €7.50. Keep in mind that parking in Vienna's city center can be limited.

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Discover more about St. Charles's Church

Karlskirche, or St. Charles's Church, is a prominent Baroque church in Vienna, Austria, famed for its architecture and historical importance. Emperor Charles VI commissioned its construction in the early 18th century, between 1715 and 1737, as a votive church dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo, commemorating Vienna's recovery from a devastating plague epidemic. The church is one of the most important sacred buildings in Central Europe and a symbol of Vienna. Designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, with his son Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach completing the construction in 1737 after his father's death in 1723, Karlskirche embodies the Kaiserstil, an imperial Viennese Baroque style. The church's design merges diverse elements, including a façade resembling a Greek temple portico and towering columns inspired by Trajan's Column in Rome. The columns depict scenes from the life of St. Charles Borromeo in spiral reliefs and act as symbols of imperial power. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a dome adorned with frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Gaetano Fanti, illustrating the apotheosis of San Carlo. The color scheme is characterized by marble with sparing and conscious use of gold leaf. Visitors can ascend to the dome via a panoramic elevator for a closer view of the frescoes and a panoramic view of Vienna. The Museo Borromeo, or treasury, displays sacred artifacts, including historical garments of St. Charles Borromeo. Today, Karlskirche remains a cultural and historical landmark, hosting regular concerts, including performances of Mozart's Requiem and Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and the Art Advent Market.

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