Today I decided to go to Karlskirche. To me this was one of the more fascinating churches in Vienna. I have always loved architecture and I feel like this church expresses itself in a positive stunning way. Instead of seeming dark and haunting like a gothic church. The Karlskirche combines elegance with beauty to create a welcoming atmosphere.
As 1712 came to an end, the last plague epidemic that was sweeping through Europe was coming to a close. Due to the end of the plague a grateful Charles VI the Holy Roman Emperor pledged to build a church after his patron Saint Charles Borromeo. Saint Charles Borromeo was considered the Saint for plague victims and a healer of the plague sick.
During the year 1716 construction began on the new church. The architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach designed the church in the Baroque Rococo style. Sadly Fischer died in 1723 but his son Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach was able to complete the church by 1737.
Karlskirche is a blend of different elements that come together to create an impressive church. The church blends Greek and Roman architecture which helps create a unique blend of cultures. The center facade which leads to the porch reminds the viewer of Greek temples and their portico. A portico is a type of entrance that is like an open porch which is covered by a roof. In addition to the greek architecture there are the two columns. These columns are influenced by the Romans and resemble Trajan’s Column in Rome. These two columns have reliefs or raised pictures imprinted on them which tell a story. What I find so impressive about the church is the fact that it ties into the landscape so well. The huge pond outside with the trees and walk areas, makes the church a relaxing place to go and take a break.
On a side note the really nice thing about the church is the fact that a section of the Vienna city college is right next door. This may sound trivial or silly but at the city college there are FREE BATHROOMS!!!!! Coming from the US were water and bathrooms are free, its nice to know that places in Europe also have small but important conveniences.
The inside of this church is also impressive. It has huge beautiful paintings covering the celling. One fresco is called the Intercession of Charles Borromeo. In this painting Charles is supported by the Virgin Mary while Charles looks to heaven for help. One of the most interesting and puzzling thing about the interior of the church is the Hebrew Tetragrammonton/Yahweh symbolize. This symbol is high above the main altar and is suppose to show Gods light, love and unlimited power.
Inside this church was also an elevator and walk way. One could take the elevator up to the top of the church and walk around on the scaffolding. This was a scary adventure because every time you would take a step the scaffolding would flex and wiggle. Though scary, once you reached the top it was very rewarding. You could look out on to the city and explore the paintings that were now larger then life.
On a side note I am slowly over coming Jet lag!! Now I am waking up at the much more reasonable hour of 6 or 6:30 not 5 in the morning. Vienna is such an exciting city I wish the days were longer and that I wouldn’t get tired from so much walking!
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