The church is not as ornate as some of the others in Vienna, but still worth a visit . It had a Xmas market in front of it so you could also relax and have a hot drink. There was an admission price but we didn’t think it was expensive . We did take the steps up to the cumulative do that we could enjoy the views on a cold November afternoon - then down a level to the organ and church treasures. You do enjoy the splendour of the church from the organ level . As mentioned worth a visit

Amazing church inside and out. Read its history before you go. Entrance fee is 9 euros and they take cash only. You can go upstairs and get a nice view of the city. I don't think it's worth 9 euros . There are lots of churches in Vienna you can visit for free.

This largely Baroque church was built between 1716 and 1737 on the orders of Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, and dedicated to Charles Borromeo, a saint who won fame as a healer of plague sufferers. There is normally a lake in the square outside of the church but, as it was December, this appeared to have been drained to accommodate some very good Christmas markets. The church, with its huge dome standing over 70 metres high, is flanked by two giant columns that are covered in spiral bas-reliefs depicting scenes in St. Charles Borromeo's life. There are small platforms near the top of each of the columns upon which sit structures that look like the tops of minarets. There are gilded eagles sitting around these platforms. The main entrance has a large portico supported by six columns atop of which there is a pediment with reliefs depicting scenes from the plague. Above this is a large terrace which you can walk out onto. Entry to the church was on the right hand side, looking from the front, and cost EUR 9-50 per person and had to be paid in cash. I am aware that this money goes on the upkeep of the church but this was one of the most expensive entry fees I have paid to enter a church that is not a cathedral. There are 13 steps to reach the ticket office then another 50 to get to the organ (and a side area where there is a large wooden cutaway model of the church and a weird mounted equestrian statue) and a further 72 to get to the outside viewing platform. The interior is a mass of marble with beautiful frescoes in the dome which display the intercession of St. Borromeo pleading with the Holy Trinity to help end the plague in Vienna. The painting above the main altar shows the ascension of St. Borromeo. There are a range of other frescoes and paintings on the walls and in the side chapels as well as further bas-reliefs, statues, carvings and gilded furnishings.

The long line to enter Karlskirche was more likely due to the driving wind and sleet during our visit than to interest in the church, but everyone was duly impressed. It is a stunning church, and the baroque architecture and light and bright interior separates it from St. Stephens. Information about Emperor Charles I was also provided.

St. Charles’s Church, known as Karlskirche, is one of Vienna's most magnificent baroque landmarks and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city. The church's striking façade, with its towering columns and ornate details, immediately captures your attention as you approach. The grandeur continues inside, where you are greeted by a spacious and beautifully decorated interior. The frescoes on the dome are particularly awe-inspiring, showcasing intricate artwork that depicts scenes from the life of St. Charles Borromeo. A highlight of the visit is the elevator ride up to the dome, allowing you to get up close to these stunning frescoes and enjoy panoramic views of Vienna from the top. The church's serene ambiance makes it a perfect place for reflection and admiration. The combination of light, space, and art creates a sense of tranquility and awe. The meticulously maintained gardens and the reflecting pool in front of the church add to the overall experience, providing a peaceful spot to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings. St. Charles’s Church is not just an architectural marvel but also a testament to Vienna's rich cultural and historical heritage. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a beautiful place to visit, Karlskirche will not disappoint. Visiting St. Charles’s Church is a truly enriching experience and a highlight of any trip to Vienna. Don’t miss the chance to explore this baroque masterpiece and its breathtaking features.

Once inside, we were astonished by this huge baroque church, dedicated to a XVII. century Saint, Charles Borromeo. It was completed in 1737, on the right bank of the Wien River after a great plague. On entering the nave, the most impressive feature is the huge, elliptical dome! The high altar on the south-eastern side is large, spacious and richly decorated. The elliptical nave has one large and two flanking smaller segments on both the north-eastern and south-western sides. After visiting the ground floor, our tickets entitled us to go upstairs to visit the choir and see the organ. We also visited a rich exhibition about the construction of the church and another exhibition with sacral items. The highlight of our visit was the climb to the balcony between the two spires!

In most cities of the world this would be the most impressive building, however as this is Vienna, it has a lot to compete with. Inside, the view of the dome is obscured by what seems to be some broken scaffolding, which is a bit of a shame. There is a good view of the church to be had by sitting across from it on the other side of the shallow pond outside.

This is possibly the most beautiful church I have ever been in of the hundreds I’ve visited around the world. It’s absolutely stunning. There is an entrance fee but this helps with the ongoing renovation required. The dome frescoes were not fully visible. There are various displays up the stairs and there is a panoramic viewing platform. The view is nice but possibly not worth the 120ish steps if your mobility is at all impaired. The church is well worth visiting however and the exhibits up the stairs are not the main thing. The guidebook provided is very informative and most of us sat quietly in the pews reading it and observing the different features described. Definitely a must visit when in Vienna if you haven’t been in here before!