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Karlskirche, Vienna

4.2
#8 of 106 in Historic Sites in Vienna
Religious Site · Hidden Gem · Historic Site
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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Tours to Karlskirche

FROM $46 BOOK WITH VIATOR Vienna City Bike Tour
4.4
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $46 »
FROM $118 BOOK WITH VIATOR Lonely Planet Experiences: Small Group or Private Evening Tour with Food & Drink
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
Tours from $118 »
FROM $97 BOOK WITH VIATOR Segway Tour Vienna in Winter
2.0
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $97 »

Karlskirche reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
2,552 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By zdaati
    Due to covid we could not go inside but was still very impressive from the outside. One of the main churches in vienna, in 18 century baraque style with two roman style columns on each side which...  more »
  • By Horst S
    The Karlskirche ist most probably one of the top 3 churches in Vienna. They have a temporary lift taking you to the top of the inside ceiling which lets you admire the impressive paintings there. Use....  more »
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Google
  • By Christopher Maitland
    Wonderful baroque church that is stunning both outside and in. The addition of two huge floating reflective spheres in the nave is very questionable. So too is the lift, also in the church itself, which does however allow visitors right to the top of the dome. The resulting view is spectacular.
  • By Hemanth P
    Best place of Vienna trip. We opted not to go inside. In the evening, with a person playing sitar in the background, the view with small pond before it was most memorable moment. The carving of bible on the twin towers below is marvellous.
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