Church · Austria · Restored

Karlskirche

Wiener Karlskirche

The Karlskirche is an early 18th‑century Baroque parish and votive church on Vienna's Karlsplatz, dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo. Its composition centres on a classical temple portico, a high drum and large copper dome flanked by two monumental spiral columns and twin tower pavilions.

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Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

First raised

1716

Its prime

1739

Today

Restored

As it stood in 1739

What Karlskirche looked like in its prime.

Massive white stone façade with a six‑column Greek temple portico and triangular pediment sits before a broad flight of steps. Behind it rises a high drum and a large green‑patina copper dome (about 25 m diameter) with a lantern. Two freestanding, hollow, spiral‑relief columns with gilded crowning eagles stand symmetrically before the façade; low twin tower pavilions with belfries flank the composition. Surfaces are pale stone and marble with restrained gold highlights; setting was an open formal forecourt aligned toward the Hofburg.

Step inside

11 places to explore in 1739.

The record describes 11 distinct spots at Karlskirche, including 7 interiors: entrance porch and inner narthex, main nave looking to the high altar, beneath the dome, looking up at the frescoes and more. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more photos, more angles and more of the immersive experience.

Approach across the forecourt and stepsPortico and pediment reliefBase and spiral relief of right columnLeft column and tower pavilionEntrance porch and inner narthexMain nave looking to the high altarBeneath the dome, looking up at the frescoesHigh altar and apotheosis compositionPulpit with carved abat‑voixOrgan gallery and west end viewWinding staircases beside the choir

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