Karlskirche Church

The Karlskirche Catholic Church (St. Charles Church) is one of Vienna’s most recognizable symbols. It is located in the 4th district, near Charles Square. Here in 1713, after an epidemic of plague, Emperor Charles VI promised to build a church in the name of his heavenly patron and protector from the plague, Carl Borromeo. During the competition, architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach was selected, who provided a project for a Baroque temple. Three years later, the church was laid down, but the architect was not destined to see it finished. After his death, his son Joseph Emmanuel continued his work.

The initial design of the building was slightly changed during the work: elements of rococo appeared, the height of the drum on which the dome was installed decreased, an ancient Greek portico was added. Nevertheless, the view of the temple is truly magnificent. A huge azure dome of 25 meters in diameter rises exactly in the middle of the temple. On both sides there are spiral stairs. The facade is decorated with two carved columns. The temple is richly decorated with frescoes and icons. The main altar depicts Karl Barromeo surrounded by angels.