Karlskirche, Vienna

Karlskirche is a church dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, the cleric remembered here as a protector of people suffering through plague. Its design brings together a temple-like entrance, monumental spiral-relief columns, and a great dome, creating one of Vienna’s most striking sacred buildings. The church belongs to the Baroque tradition, with later Rococo elements, and Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach began the work; his son Joseph Emanuel completed it after his death.

Construction started in 1716 and finished in 1737, after changes to the elder Fischer’s plans. Look at the reliefs winding around the columns: they tell episodes from Charles Borromeo’s life while also carrying imperial symbolism. Above the entrance, sculpture presents the saint with the cardinal virtues.

Inside, the dome fresco by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Gaetano Fanti shows Charles Borromeo appealing for help, with the Virgin Mary supporting him. A remarkable personal story is tied to this church as well: Antonio Vivaldi was buried in the adjoining cemetery in 1741, although his grave has since disappeared. The church still hosts concerts in his memory.