ST. CHARLES-BORROMEO CHURCH (KARLSKIRCHE)
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A church whose dome offers a dazzling view of the city.
The Church of St. Charles Borromeo (Karlskirche) stands on the large square, which it magnifies, as does the entire 4th district! The whole ensemble is superb at night, especially in winter on a carpet of snow. The remarkably designed lighting of the church intensifies the majesty of the building. The Karlskirche is the most monumental baroque church in Vienna. Built between 1716 and 1722 by the architects von Erlach, father and son, it was commissioned by Emperor Karl VI, who pledged before God to build a church as soon as the plague epidemic of 1713 was overcome.
At the beginning of the 18th century, the trauma of the last Turkish invasion was still alive. The two twisted towers framing the central wing of the building are inspired by Trajan's columns, depicting two minarets representing Islam threatening Christianity. The two square towers, powerful exterior bell towers, which frame the whole, symbolise the final victory of the western world over the troops of the Great Gate. The interior frescoes were executed by Johann Michael Rottmayr and many of the great artists of the time contributed to the interior decoration. The magnificent trompe l'oeil ceilings are to be admired. An elevator takes you to the dome, which offers a dazzling view of the city. Above the altar, you will notice the glass tribunes that evoke a theatrical setting, just like the high altar itself.
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The evening concerts every weekend (requiem Mozart every Saturday evening).