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Karlskirche, Vienna (St. Charles Church)

Kreuzherrengasse, Wien, Wien

Description

Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) is a Baroque church built in the early 18th century in Vienna and dedicated to the sixteenth century counter-reformer Saint Charles Borromeo. It was designed by architect J.B. Fischer von Erlach with a façade replicating a Greek temple portico combined with two columns inspired by Trajan's Column in Rome and a dome rising to a height of 70m. Artistic highlights include the frescoed dome (with an allegory of the cardinal virtues and an intercession of the patron saint of the church), several stone sculptures, and the high altarpiece.

Access & Transport

The church is located just south of Innere Stadt, 200m outside the Ringstraße. The Karsplatz metro (U1, U4) and tram stations (1, 62) are next to it and bus 4A stops 100m away. There is private parking available next to the monument. There is a side entrance without steps.

Instructions & Recommendations

Note that the admission ticket also provides access to the dome via elevator.

Meta review

The church is a favourite of travel guides and online reviews although there is a large percentage of visitors that complains about the admission price. The highlights include the exterior architectural style, the quality of the interior decoration, and the unique experience of taking an elevator to the dome. Note that at the time of the initial review there was a scaffolding below the dome for some renovation work but when the latest update suggests this is no longer the case.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral. Helps preserve the city's artistic and architectural heritages.

Conclusion

Karlskirche is a must see from the outside for anybody who enjoy beautiful monuments and Baroque design. The interior is also worth your time, but we wish there was a cheaper admission option for those who do not value going up the elevator so much.

Key positive

Striking design

Beautiful frescoes and ability to get up close to them

Key negative

Expensive admission fee

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in September 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 18:00

Tuesday09:00 - 18:00

Wednesday09:00 - 18:00

Thursday09:00 - 18:00

Friday09:00 - 18:00

Saturday09:00 - 18:00

Sunday11:00 - 19:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Group price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€9.5
7.5
Adult
18 - 64
€8
7.5
Child
10 - 17
€5
7.5
Infant
0 - 9
€0
0

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