Attraction
Schönbrunn Palace
The Habsburgs' 1,441-room summer palace in Hietzing, with state apartments, formal Baroque gardens, the Gloriette and the world's oldest working zoo in its grounds.
Karlskirche
The great Baroque church on Karlsplatz, vowed by Charles VI after the plague of 1713, with a green copper dome, twin columns and Rottmayr's dome fresco.
At a glance
- Type
- Baroque church
- Area
- Wieden, Vienna, Austria
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- karlskirche.at
Good to know
- Concerts
- Ticketed visits
- Reflecting pool in front
Why we recommend it
The Karlskirche is the finest Baroque church in Vienna and one of the most recognisable buildings in the city. Emperor Charles VI pledged to build it in 1713, a year after the last major plague epidemic in Vienna, and dedicated it to his patron saint, Charles Borromeo, who had cared for plague victims in Milan. Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach won the design competition, and after his death in 1723 his son Joseph Emanuel completed the church in 1737.
The façade is unusual. A temple portico in the classical style stands between two tall columns modelled on Trajan's Column in Rome, with spiral reliefs by Lorenzo Mattielli showing scenes from the saint's life. Above rises an oval dome sheathed in green copper. The combination of Roman, Greek and Baroque ideas was meant to show the emperor's ambitions and the reach of his empire. Inside, the oval nave is bright and lofty, and the eye is drawn up to the dome fresco by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Gaetano Fanti, which shows Charles Borromeo interceding with the help of the Virgin Mary.
Visits are by ticket, which helps fund the upkeep of the church. Visiting hours are Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00 and on Sundays and public holidays from 11:45 to 19:15. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. The church is also an active parish and a concert venue: evening concerts of Baroque music are held regularly, and the church's own music programme is listed on its website. Check the accessibility page if you need step-free access.
The church suits architecture lovers and anyone interested in Baroque Vienna, and the square in front is one of the best places in the city for photographs. Come in the late afternoon or evening, when the church and its columns are reflected in the pool in front, and the lights come on across Karlsplatz.
The church faces Resselpark on Karlsplatz, a short walk south of the State Opera. Karlsplatz underground station (U1, U2, U4) is right next to it, and the Otto Wagner Pavilions, the Musikverein, the Wien Museum and Albertina Modern are all around the square. The Naschmarkt starts a few minutes away to the west.
Karlskirche FAQs
What are the visiting hours of the Karlskirche?
Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 18:00, and Sundays and public holidays 11:45 to 19:15.
Do you need a ticket to visit?
Yes, visits for sightseeing are ticketed, which supports the church's upkeep.
Why was the Karlskirche built?
Emperor Charles VI vowed to build it during the plague of 1713 and dedicated it to Saint Charles Borromeo.
Who designed the church?
Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, with his son Joseph Emanuel completing it in 1737.
Are there concerts in the Karlskirche?
Yes, concerts and church music are held regularly. Check the church's website for the programme.
How do I get there?
Take the U1, U2 or U4 to Karlsplatz, which is next to the church.
How long does a visit take?
Around 30 to 45 minutes.
What is nearby?
The Musikverein, the Wien Museum, Albertina Modern, the Otto Wagner Pavilions and the Naschmarkt.