St. Charles Church

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St. Charles Church: baroque gen and musical Temple in the heart of Vienna


A characteristic part of the silhouette and a landmark of Vienna is the dignified Rectorate Church of St. Charles Borromeo, right at the end of Karlsplatz, but known to every Viennese and every visitor simply as Karlskirche.

In the early 18th century, in gratitude for having survived the plague, it was commissioned by the Habsburg Emperor Charles VI and dedicated to St. Cardinal Carlo Borromeo, who is also revered as the plague saint. The St. Charles Church was built in Baroque style to impress, and it still does: it is still considered one of the most stunning and important sacred buildings north of the Alps, and today it is not only a church, but also a museum and one of the most beautiful concert venues in Vienna, if not Europe.

The church was recently renovated and today the imposing high altar, designed by Fischer von Erlach, and the lavish dome frescoes shine again in new - old splendor. A panoramic elevator takes you comfortably to a platform at a height of more than 30 meters, from where you can admire the colorfulness of the frescoes from up close. The elevator was originally built only for the renovation work, but it was then left for the visitors. Don't forget to take a look down to see the church from a height of 30 meters - simply breathtaking!

In recent years, the St. Charles Church has become a fixed, if not the, benchmark in the Viennese concert scene. The 'Orchestra 1756', with its original line-up of 40 musicians, which is based on the original size of the classical orchestras of the time, and its antique instruments from the 18th century, is at home here and plays regular concerts. Among them the Vivaldi's "Four Seasons", next to arias from the operas and sacred works or baroque concerti, symphonies and cantatas from the circle of the great masters.

Next door, then the 'Spitaller Gottsacker', Antonio Vivaldi is buried. However, the original grave has not been preserved and is not known, as he unfortunately died hapless and impoverished in Vienna, and unfortunately also misunderstood at the time. A memorial plaque was erected for him much later.

You can experience concerts in the St. Charles church, which in ambience, sound and interpretation can hardly revive the Baroque more credibly.  You can easily book your concert visit through us online, we are also happy to give advice.