St. Charles's Church

Welcome to Vienna. You are standing before one of the most magnificent architectural achievements of the Habsburg Empire. …

Our exploration begins here in the expansive open area of Karlsplatz, or Charles Square. Unlike many of the great medieval churches in Vienna, which are tightly hemmed in by narrow cobblestone streets and towering urban facades,…

As we arrive at the very threshold of Karlskirche, your eyes are immediately drawn to the most unusual and striking feature of its facade, the two colossal, freestanding columns that flank the main entrance. At first glance,…

Stepping through the heavy entrance doors, we pass from the bright, sunlit expanse of Karlsplatz into the shaded, transitional space of the narthex and ticket area. The shift in atmosphere is immediate and profound. …

Entering the main nave of Karlskirche is like walking into a brilliantly illuminated jewel box. The space glows with a breathtaking smorgasbord of decorative delights. …

Now, let us retreat slightly from the main altar, turn to the side, and ascend the staircases that lead up to the balcony level. As you climb, you leave the bustling floor of the nave behind, entering a space that feels more…

For our next experience, we must embrace a truly unique, and perhaps slightly unnerving, modern addition to this historic space. We are going to ascend the scaffolding tower located off to one side of the dome. …

Standing here on the high panorama platform, mere inches from the curve of the massive elliptical dome, we are entirely enveloped by the brilliant, swirling colors of the frescos. This is where the political and theological…

As we ride the lift back down to the solid marble floor of the nave and begin our walk back toward the entrance, it is time to reflect on the monumental journey we have just taken. Karlskirche is far more than just a beautiful…