Karlskirche
My previous two posts in Vienna were about Gustav Klimt and the Secession period, and lying between the Secession Building and the Belvedere is Karlskirche. Vienna has no shortage of beautiful churches, but this has to be one of the city’s finest.
Baroque architecture may not be to everyone’s taste, but I defy anybody not to be impressed with Fischer von Erlach the Elder’s creation. This magnificent building is influenced by a mixture of Greek, Roman, Italian and Austrian classical design, and it all blends together perfectly.
Karlskirche was the brainchild of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI who dedicated the church to Charles Borromeo, the Archbishop of Milan from 1564 until his death in 1584. In 1602 he was beatified by Pope Clement VIII and then canonized in 1610 by Pope Paul V for his stance against the Reformation and his help to the poor and needy, especially during the Plague. He is the Patron Saint of Bishops and his Feast Day is on November 4th.
Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach was the architect responsible for many of Vienna’s Habsburg buildings, and Karlskirche is probably his most admired building after Schonbrunn, although it was left to his son, Joseph Emanuel to complete it.
The Baroque theme continues inside the church, but you can imagine how my heart sank when I walked in and saw scaffolding everywhere, but thankfully it wasn’t as bad as it first appeared. The tower scaffolding was in place so that restoration could take place on Johann Michael Rottmayer’s fresco in the dome – and the good news was that the public could climb the tower to see the fresco up close, which of course wouldn’t have been possible without the scaffolding.
The fresco isn’t the only painting in the church and there are several by various artists in the altar’s side chapels including the Assumption of Mary by Sebastiano Ricci below.
The scaffolding obscured the nave to some degree but not the flamboyant altar. Conceived by Fischer the Elder, it was Ferdinand Maximilian Brokoff, a sculptor from Bohemia, who carried out the work including the round glass window with its Hebrew inscription above it.
In a city that has an abundance of wonderful classical buildings, Karlskirche ranks right up there with the best. Historically, it may not have the same amount of interest that the Habsburg palaces or the Stephansdom has, but it really shouldn’t be missed. You can find it standing sentinel over Karlsplatz.
POSTED – APRIL 2023
Originally posted 2023-04-29 16:37:52.
Now, this looks to be on the right side of magical.
You’re not wrong Shey.
Karlskirche certainly looks the part, Malc, and from what I’ve seen it would definitely be on my must-visit list for Vienna. I can only imagine what it must have been like to go up into the tower and see the fresco up-close. What a privilege, and it makes the scaffolding interference much more tolerable! Also, it’s a good sign that they’re doing the restoration work needed, as will inevitably be the case in any building of such historic and architectural significance. We felt like that on our last visit to HMS Victory, which is now completely enveloped in scaffolding and white coverings for a 10-year restoration project. But, likewise, you can go inside the scaffolding and see into the fabric of the ship as well as watch the work being done. In many ways it’s a privilege to be, in some small way, connected with another big part of the Victory’s story.
You’ve given us some fab pictures of Karlskirche, of course, in a way that makes me almost feel I’ve already been there, and I particularly love the Christmas shot. What a place to visit during the festive season! 🙂
There is something special about Karlskirche I reckon Alli and it’s definitely magical at Christmastime. It doesn’t matter where you go there’s always something going on isn’t there? If it’s not scaffolding, there are marquees going up for an event or a school party, and that’s just the start of it 🙂
That’s right, Malc, very special indeed. 🙂
A lovely church brought to life by your great photos Malc, but then I expect nothing less from you 🙂 The fresco in the dome looks fantastic, I would have been up that scaffolding like a rat up a drainpipe to see it close up, and the altar is absolutely amazing. I like the Christmas photo too, it looks lovely 🙂
Thanks for the lovely comments Eunice. I’m glad you liked it 🙂
I realise that I’ve seen but never been inside this church, something I must rectify on a future visit to Vienna! How wonderful to be able to get up close to the dome 😯
That scaffolding turned out to be a bonus in the end.
A jaw droppingly beautiful place, the altar is something else. I’ve no religious leanings myself but do enjoy these places as things of history, beauty and craftsmanship.
Exactly my sentiments too Helen. Thanks for commenting
Very interesting and your photos really bring the Karlskirche to life. A most beautiful church.
Thanks Francesc. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Always a pleasure my friend! 😊
No, Protestant. Never a Catholic although I have a few as relatives.
Now I know 🙂
Another very nice post ❣️❣️❣️
As always you managed to take amazing photos
Thank you Luisa. Your comments are always so complimentary but you really don’t have to comment at all as I said. I fully understand ❣️❣️❣️
I really liked your post and the photos that brought back lovely memories for me!🤗
Great! I always like to hear that I’ve rekindled some memories 🙂
Thank you, Malc, for not only drawing our attention to this extraordinary church but also providing your erudite comments as to why this Baroque magnificence is so special. I was amazed to read that the public could climbed the
scaffolding to see close-up of the frescos inside the dome! Haven’t the authorities there heard about safety rules?
The historical background your provided is very interesting, as always. Thank you.
The frescos are such a riot of happenings, left, right and center, that it made me wonder if the painter wasn’t imbibing something while he painted!
Your subtle suggestion, Malc, that the Christmas visit would be beneficial is spot on, as it would combine the business with pleasure.
Joanna
PS. I can hardly wait for your observations on the coronations event. The Destiny Stone is waiting not only for Charles III but for you too, Malc!
Goodness me Joanna. Where do I start? Firstly, thank you for climbing up the scaffold with me to see the fresco first hand, but it doesn’t really matter whether you’re a religious person or not to enjoy places like this. You’re right about Christmastime in Vienna, it can be very special, but as you quite rightly say, we have our own special occasion this time next week. Let’s just hope that nobody tries to spoil it.
Thank you, Malc!
Joanna
Gorgeous pictures, Malc. Nice amount of history.
Thank you Pat 🙂
Just curious, are you Catholic? This post seemed quite sympathetic.
No, I’m not Catholic Pat. I went to a Church of England School, but I’m not a religious person – more of a spiritual one.
Fair enough. Many people nowadays feel more spiritual than religious. Thanks for answering.
I have a feeling that you’re a practising Catholic. Am I right? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.