Karlskirche, dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo, is famous for its ellipsoid dome and two flanking columns of bas-reliefs. Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI commissioned this 18th-century Baroque church one year after the last great plague epidemic. See the reliefs and frescoes illustrating the scenes from the life of the great 16th-century reformer. The columns, similar to the Trajan Column in Rome, act as symbols of imperial power. They recall the two columns that stood in front of the Temple at Jerusalem and the Pillars of Hercules. The church is the final resting place of the composer Antonio Vivaldi. A visit to Karlskirche represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Vienna trip itinerary maker tool to plot your vacation.
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Tours to Karlskirche
Karlskirche reviews
-
For an Italian visitor, this church sounds like a familiar presence. Indeed, the architect, Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, having completed a large part of his training in Rome (1670-1685...
For an Italian visitor, this church sounds like a familiar presence. Indeed, the architect, Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, having completed a large part of his training in Rome (1670-1685... more »
-
I was going to see the Tu university and was curios about this nearby church. Decided to walk in for the view upside. I have never before climbed up an elevator inside a church's space (not in a...
I was going to see the Tu university and was curios about this nearby church. Decided to walk in for the view upside. I have never before climbed up an elevator inside a church's space (not in a... more »
-
A very nice place and park to hang out. I was there in summer so some food vans were there, people hanging out. In the night there are A LOT of people having a good time – many friend groups gathering around.
-
There is scaffolding with an elevator inside the church. It was used for restoration, but now you can take it up close to the ceiling and see more details of the ceiling paintings up close. A really different, worthwhile experience. Be sure to climb the stairs, to the left, just behind where you buy your tickets. They lead to the organ loft and an outside overlook point.
Plan your trip to Vienna
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Vienna
Museums in Vienna
Hidden gems in Vienna
Historic Sites in Vienna
Side trips from Vienna
Nearby attractions in Vienna
Trips in Karlskirche by other users
32 days in Vienna & Amsterdam
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Vienna
Amsterdam
14 days in Switzerland, Vienna & Budapest
BY A USER FROM JORDAN
Zurich
Grindelwald
Appenzell
60 days in Vienna
BY A USER FROM UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna
Schonbrunn Palace
Technisches Museum Wien
53 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Prato
Milan
Vienna
11 days in Austria
BY A USER FROM ISRAEL
Vienna
Melk
Neustift im Stubaital
9 days in Vienna
BY A USER FROM ISRAEL
Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial
Schonbrunn Palace
Orangery at Schoenbrunn Palace