Karlskirche Church (St. Charles Church) in Vienna is an incredible masterpiece that dates from the times of baroque art. It’s placed on the Karlsplatz square and rises as a symbol for the human’s faith and hope. The church was built within the period between 1716th and 1737th year right after the end of the next plague epidemic in Austria. As a matter of fact, it’s the kept promise made by Emperor Karl VI, who took a vow to build a church if God spares all Vienna’s people’s lives from the plague.
The church was constricted with the hope in mind that the plague, which took thousands of victims, would never come back again. Till these days, the construction has impressed the visitors with its rich architecture, intriguing wall drawings made by baroque masters, as well as with magnificent sculptors. The church is named for Saint Karl Boromeo – an Italian episcope who lived during XVI century and who fought with the plague by constantly seeking for a cure to give to all the poor sick people. Today, the church is turn into a museum where lots of concerts are arranged.
Here’s one curious fact about Karlskirche Church: there used to be one famous priest here or to be more specific, the composer, Antonio Vivaldi, himself served in the church. Yes, the one Vivaldi who made one of the most popular classical musical piece – The four seasons. The Karlskirche Church is the place where this masterpiece has been created, by the way.
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What to see?
The wall paintings
They represent the tough fight between the good and the evil, the death and life. Meanwhile, right from the ceiling the visitors are watched by 1730 saints in total! All of the drawings are related with the disastrous plague and people’s desire to never meet the disease again.
The Plague Column
The Plague epidemic in Vienna starts in 1679th year. Even the Emperor Leopold, the First leaves the city to save himself. The terrible disease takes 75 000 victims in total. Once the plague abates the emperor comes back and builds the column to thank God for the salvation. Called the Plague Column, it’s one of the most remarkable things in Karlskirche Church. The column had been at first made from wood and it has the images of the Trinity with 9 angels aside. In 1683rd year a new project for the column was made – a project for a marble column. Lots and very different masters had been working on the project to complete it perfectly well.
The Green cupola
You can reach it by taking the panoramic elevator. Note that from the top of the cupola you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
Some useful tips for a visit to have in mind
Bear in mind that Karlskirche Church is opened every day. During the weekends and the holidays, though, the church is with limited working time, so check it out in advance before a visit.
The ticket for Karlskirche Church includes using the panoramic elevator to the cupola, too.
There are discounts available for:
- A group formed of at least 6 people (it’s not necessary to make a reservation in advance)
- School girls and boys, as well as students
- Vienna Card owners
- Kids under 10 years old enter the attraction 100% for free
Top Attractions in Vienna:
Vienna – the city
Schönbrunn Palace
Hofburg Castle
Belvedere Castle
Saint Stephen Cathedral
History of Art Museum
Natural History Museum
Albertina Museum
Museum Quartier
Hundertwasser
State Opera
City Hall
The Prater
Imperial Butterfly House
Danube Cruise from Vienna
Donauturm
Naschmarkt