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.
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Karlskirche reviews
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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 »
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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 »
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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.
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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.
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