Vienna
Wien · Historic Baroque Landmark

St. Charles Church, Wien – A Baroque Masterpiece

Discover Vienna's iconic baroque landmark on Karlsplatz, rich in history and art.

ArchitectureHistoryArtMusicLocal heritage

St. Charles Church, or Karlskirche, stands as a Baroque masterpiece dominating Karlsplatz in Vienna. Visitors can explore its opulent interior, admire lavish frescoes and detailed columns, discover a church model and treasury, and attend regular classical music concerts.

A monumental Baroque church in Vienna, known for its grand architecture, stunning dome frescoes, historical columns, and classical music performances.

St. Charles Church
St. Charles Church: Baroque Landmark

St. Charles Church, known as Karlskirche, is a monumental Baroque edifice on Karlsplatz in Vienna. Completed in 1739, it features an imposing green dome, two colossal columns depicting St. Karl Borromäus's life, and lavish dome frescoes by Johannes Michael Rottmayr. The church's striking marble interior, accented with red and gold, culminates in a sumptuously decorated high altar.

St. Charles Church at night with its green dome and illuminated facade
St. Charles Church opening hours in Vienna

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for St. Charles Church. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Vienna.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
09:00-18:00
09:00-18:00
09:00-18:00
09:00-18:00
09:00-18:00
09:00-18:00
11:00-19:00
St. Charles Church Admission Information

St. Charles Church, a prominent landmark in Vienna, requires paid admission for entry. This includes access to the Church model, Panoramic terrace, Treasury, and Organ. Visitors holding a Vienna City Card are eligible for a reduced admission fee. Additionally, individuals with disabilities can enter free of charge by presenting a valid identification.

Regular Admission

€9.50

Includes church model, panoramic terrace, treasury and organ

Visitors with Special Needs

Free

Valid ID for persons with special needs required

Visitor facilities and accessibility at St. Charles Church

St. Charles Church provides essential accessibility features to support a comfortable visitor experience. The venue offers step-free entrance options for guests, and service animals are welcome inside the church. While certain areas have limited wheelchair accessibility due to the historic architecture, staff are available to provide assistance for navigating the interior.

Seeing eye dogs allowed

Available

Barrier-free access via a ramp

Available

Barrier-free access

Limited
St. Charles Church on Karlsplatz

St. Charles Church is prominently situated on Karlsplatz 10 in Vienna (Wien), Austria. This central location in the city makes it an easily accessible landmark for visitors exploring the historic Baroque architecture and cultural offerings of Vienna. Its imposing presence on the square serves as a key orientation point within the urban landscape.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Karlsplatz 10

1040 Wien

AT

Visiting St. Charles Church

To visit St. Charles Church in Vienna, expect access to the main church, a model, panoramic terrace, treasury, and organ. Entry costs 9.50 €, with free access for visitors holding special needs IDs and a 10% discount for Vienna City Card holders. While the main entrance and church interior are barrier-free, the museum and upper floors are not; alternative barrier-free access is available via a ramp. Always check current opening times before your visit.

Visiting St. Charles Church

St. Charles Church: Baroque Grandeur and Visitor Experience

St. Charles Church, or Karlskirche, stands as a monumental Baroque edifice on Karlsplatz in Vienna, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its architectural and artistic grandeur. Designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, this historic site features a striking green dome and two prominent columns depicting the life of its namesake, St. Karl Borromäus. Inside, guests encounter lavish dome frescoes by Johannes Michael Rottmayr, a dominant marble interior with rich red and gold accents, and a sumptuously decorated high altar. Beyond the visual splendor, the experience extends to examining a detailed church model and the sacred exhibits of the Museo Borromeo. The church's exceptional acoustics also make it a celebrated venue for classical music concerts, enhancing its appeal as a vibrant cultural spot.

St. Charles Church with its green dome and twin columns reflected in water under a blue sky

Historical Background of St. Charles Church

St. Charles Church in Vienna traces its origins to a solemn pledge made by Emperor Charles VI in 1713, following a devastating plague epidemic. Dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, revered for healing plague sufferers, the church's construction commenced in 1716. Designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, who won an architectural competition, it was completed and consecrated in 1737 by his son, Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach. This **monumental Baroque edifice** showcases a unique blend of architectural styles, including a Greek temple portico and columns reminiscent of Trajan's Column, serving as an imperial patron parish church for centuries and featuring significant frescoes.

  • Pledge to build church after plague epidemic

    1713Founding

    Following the last major plague epidemic in Vienna in 1713, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, pledged to construct a church dedicated to his namesake patron saint, Charles Borromeo, who was venerated for his healing of plague sufferers.

  • Architectural competition announced

    Architecture

    An architectural competition was held for the new church, with Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach winning the commission over several other prominent architects.

  • Construction began in 1716

    1716Construction

    Construction of the Karlskirche commenced in 1716 under the supervision of Anton Erhard Martinelli.

  • Architectural influences and modifications

    Architecture

    The church's design by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach blended diverse elements, including a Greek temple portico, columns inspired by Trajan's Column, and influences from Roman baroque architects like Bernini and Borromini. His son, Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach, later modified and completed the dome.

  • Church construction completed

    1737Construction

    The construction of the Karlskirche was completed in 1737 by Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach, who made modifications to his father's original plans.

  • Church consecrated

    1737Architecture

    The Karlskirche was consecrated in 1737.

  • Original sightline to Hofburg

    1918Overview

    The Karlskirche originally possessed a direct line of sight to the Hofburg Palace and served as the imperial patron parish church until 1918.

  • Burial place of Antonio Vivaldi

    1741Cultural significance

    Composer Antonio Vivaldi was buried in the adjacent cemetery of the church on July 28, 1741, although his grave has since been lost. The church now hosts regular Vivaldi concerts.

  • Wedding of Hedy Lamarr

    1933Notable person

    Actress Hedy Lamarr married Friedrich Mandl in the church's chapel on August 10, 1933, with over 200 prominent guests in attendance.

  • Interior frescos by Rottmayr and Gran

    Architecture

    The interior features a dome fresco by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Gaetano Fanti, depicting the intercession of Charles Borromeo. Frescos in the side chapels are attributed to Daniel Gran.

  • Pulpit restoration

    2006-2007Renovation

    The church's pulpit underwent restoration between 2006 and 2007, during which a widened rim added around 1860 was removed to restore its original proportions and appearance.

  • Architectural significance in Karlsplatz ensemble

    1980-1989Overview

    Since the late 1980s restoration of Karlsplatz, the church has been recognized for its dome, bas-relief columns, and its role as an architectural counterweight to nearby buildings like the Musikverein.

  • Care by the Knights of the Cross

    Ownership

    The Karlskirche is maintained by the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star and serves as the parish church and Catholic student ministry for the Vienna University of Technology.

St. Charles Church FAQs: Curious About Visiting?

Curious about visiting St. Charles Church? From knowing the exact closing time on a Sunday to finding out if the church is open on Mondays, we cover the essentials. You might even discover the entry cost for this stunning Vienna landmark, ensuring your visit is perfectly planned.

What is the phone number for St. Charles Church?

A phone number for St. Charles Church is not provided in the available contact information.

Does St. Charles Church have an email address for inquiries?

An email address for direct inquiries to St. Charles Church is not provided in the available contact information.

How can I contact St. Charles Church?

Direct contact methods for St. Charles Church, such as phone numbers, email addresses, or contact forms, are not provided in the available information. Visitors are advised to browse the website for information.

Is there a contact form available for St. Charles Church?

The available information does not provide details about a contact form for St. Charles Church.

Practical Tips for Visiting St. Charles Church

St. Charles Church in Vienna offers a visit encompassing the church interior, a model, a panoramic terrace, the treasury, and the organ. While the main entrance has steps, barrier-free access is available via a ramp with a sensor-operated door, and the main church area is accessible. However, please note that the museum and upper floors are not wheelchair accessible, and the interior has 11 steps where staff assistance can be requested. Seeing eye dogs are permitted, and visitors with a valid special needs ID receive free entry. Additionally, holders of the Vienna City Card can receive a 10% discount.

Visitor Suitability for St. Charles Church

St. Charles Church in Wien offers an engaging experience for solo visitors, couples, and groups interested in Baroque architecture, art, history, and classical music. The main church area features barrier-free access via a ramp, and seeing eye dogs are permitted for visitors with special needs. Those requiring full accessibility should note that while the main church is accessible, the museum and upper floors have limitations, though staff assistance is available for interior steps.

St. Charles Church Photo Gallery

Explore the striking Baroque architecture of St. Charles Church in Vienna, showcasing its distinctive green dome and twin columns against the Karlsplatz setting. The photos reveal the church's opulent interiors, highlighting ornate marble, golden embellishments, and magnificent ceiling frescoes. Visitors can preview the monumental scale and rich artistic detail that define this landmark.

Interior view of St. Charles Church with ornate columns, a high vaulted ceiling, and wooden pews
St. Charles Church with its green dome and twin columns reflected in water under a blue sky
St. Charles Church at night with its green dome and illuminated facade
Interior of St. Charles Church with ornate baroque architecture, marble columns, golden details, and a large fresco on the ceiling
Interior view of St. Charles Church with a frescoed ceiling, ornate gold detailing, and a large oval window.
St. Charles Church at night with its green dome and twin columns illuminated, market stalls in the foreground
Interior of St. Charles Church with ornate Baroque architecture, a golden ceiling fresco, and marble columns
St. Charles Church with a golden dome and white facade, framed by green trees under a blue sky
St. Charles Church with its green dome and twin columns, viewed from a distance across Karlsplatz with trees and city buildings in the foreground and background
Green dome of St. Charles Church with golden crosses and white stone facade under a blue sky
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