St. Charles Church

KARLSKIRCHE

Dhe Karlskirche in Vienna is not only a popular postcard motif and religious place of devotion, but also of art historical interest. This mighty Baroque sacred building is a masterpiece of the great architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach.

While the architect himself did not live to see the completion of the building, his son Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach completed his father's building plans in 1739.

Behind the enterprise was Emperor Charles VI, who commissioned this building in gratitude for the end of a plague epidemic. He consecrated the church to his namesake St. Charles Borromeo.

Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien

That is why the small Museo Borromeo is dedicated to the Italian saint in the Karlskirche.

But apart from that, the nave of the Karlskirche is worth a detailed tour. And thanks to the new sightseeing constructions, visitors can even view the ceiling vault up close. That's because the church's own panorama lift transports you to a platform directly under the dome. Here you can marvel at the unique dome frescoes by Johannes Micheal Rottmayr on a total area of 1250m².

Here you can find famous personalities of church history and heavenly, as well as biblical scenes depicted in the most beautiful colors. And a look down also shows the nave from a breathtaking bird's eye view, which will definitely give you a new perspective of Vienna!

For music fans, the Karlskirche has one or two surprises in store. Because here are regularly concerts of Mozart and Vivaldi or even gospel songs to the best!

Address

 Kreuzherrengasse 1
1040 Vienna

Opening hours

Monday 09:00-18:00
Tuesday 09:00-18:00
Wednesday 09:00-18:00
Thursday 09:00-18:00.
Friday 09:00-18:00
Saturday 09:00-18:00
Sunday 12:00-19:00