A promise during the plague
As plague killed thousands in Vienna in 1713, Emperor Charles VI vowed to build a church to St Charles Borromeo, the patron saint of plague victims. Work began in 1716.
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Karlskirche: the history, and the elevator into the dome
An emperor promised a church during the plague of 1713 and kept his word. Today you can ride up into its dome and stand face to face with the frescoes. Here's what you're looking at.
Vowed1713
Built1716–1737
ArchitectsFischer von Erlach, father & son
Dome72 m high
Hear the Karlskirche story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Two columns from Rome
The columns either side of the entrance copy Trajan's Column in Rome. Their spiralling reliefs tell the life of St Charles Borromeo, and they also nod to the Pillars of Hercules on the emperor's emblem.
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Into the fresco
A panoramic elevator, put in for restoration work, now takes visitors 32 meters up into the dome to see Johann Michael Rottmayr's frescoes up close.
TipStand at the far edge of the pond in Resselpark: the church reflects in the water, best at dusk when the dome is lit. With Urban Tales running, the church's story plays as you reach Karlsplatz.
Nearby landmarks
Karlskirche: common questions
Why was the Karlskirche built?
As a vow by Emperor Charles VI during the plague of 1713, dedicated to St Charles Borromeo.
Can you go up into the dome of the Karlskirche?
Yes, a panoramic elevator and stairs take you into the dome to see the frescoes up close.
Who designed the Karlskirche?
Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach; his son Joseph Emanuel completed it in 1737.