![]() Splendid attractions, ongoing events, carefully preserved traditions and of course – the spirit of some of the world’s best artists including Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. There is plenty to see in 3 days in Vienna, and whether you’re into slow-paced sightseeing or cramming everything in a day or two, you’ll have gotten enough of an overview of the city. Spending three days in Vienna means you’ll be exposed to artistic masterpieces, musical legends, and a charm that will grow more and more the longer you stay. This 3 day Vienna itinerary will help you make the most of each day, with some insider tips on how to save money (and time)!īaroque streetscapes juxtapose gorgeous palaces magnificent charms seduce you into the magic of the city, a vibrant culture emanates through the streets and an undeniable sense of grandeur is unmistakably present. Until the collapse of the empire in 1918, the Karlskirche continued to be patronised by the imperial family.3 days in Vienna is the perfect amount of time to see the best the city has to offer, plus a few hidden treasures. Just a few years after the church opened (in 1741), Antonio Vivaldi was buried here. Unfortunately, he did not live to see his plans realised, so it was left to his son Joseph to oversee the building work – and add a few of his own ideas along the way, of course!Ĭonstruction work began in 1716 and was completed in 1739. To build his church, Charles VI organised an architectural competition, which was won by Johann Fischer von Erlach, one of the most famous architects of the baroque period. ![]() Unlike the Karlskirche, the square in front of the church, the Karlsplatz, is named after Karl (Charles) VI. ![]() It reads: ‘Vota mea reddam in conspectu timentium deum’, which translates as ‘My vows I will pay before those who fear God’. Ultimately, the plague killed 8000 people in Vienna during the 18th century, but Charles VI kept his word, as the inscription above the main entrance to the Karlskirche attests. In fact, in a bid to rid Vienna of the plague, Charles VI vowed to build the church in honour of Bishop Karl Borromäus of Milan (St Charles Borromeo), who was revered for his heroic work during the plague of 1576–1578. Karl (Charles) VI, Holy Roman Emperor and Archduke of Austria, commissioned the Karlskirche in 1713 but he’s not – as you might be tempted to think – the cathedral’s namesake. In the pool in front of the church, you’ll also find another interesting sculpture entitled ‘Hill Arches’ by the artist Henry Moore, who gifted the sculpture to the city of Vienna in 1978. ![]() It comprises two enormous silver spheres, each filled with air, which hang from the baroque ceiling, adding yet another, more modern, dimension to the church’s eclectic architecture. Since 2018, the Karlskirche has also housed an installation entitled ‘Aerocene’ by the contemporary artist Tomás Saraceno. St Charles Borromeo is depicted pleading for an end to the plague, supported by the Virgin Mary. Instead, the inside of the dome is decorated with a fresco showing the story that inspired Charles VI to build the church in the first place. The original plans for the Karlskirche included a coffered dome, similar to the one in the Pantheon in Rome, but this was never realised. Speaking of the lift… In all honesty, it’s an eyesore that really detracts from the beauty of the church’s interior. There’s also a gilded stucco relief showing the ascension of St Charles Borromeo and the dome fresco by Johann Michael Rottmayr, which you can see right up close if you take the lift to the top. That said, the frescos and gilded altar are very beautiful. A statue of him also stands atop the pediment of the portico.Īfter the stunning exterior, you’d be forgiven for being a little disappointed by the interior of the church. ![]() The pillars themselves are decorated with scenes from the life of St Charles Borromeo, the church’s namesake. There’s even a spiral staircase inside them, just like their Roman predecessor, although these stairs are not open to visitors. The two pillars in front of the entrance also share many similarities with Trajan’s Column in Rome. The entrance is reminiscent of an Ancient Greek temple and the side gatehouses resemble Chinese pavilions, whilst the domes and towers evoke an Ottoman mosque. I couldn’t take my eyes off it! It’s the creation of one of the best architects of the baroque period, Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, who took his inspiration from the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and combined that with everything he had seen and learnt in Rome. The Karlskirche itself is a really impressive sight given that its front façade is a wonderfully clever juxtaposition of different architectural styles. Today it’s impossible to imagine the city without them and both are well worth adding to your itinerary. During his reign in the 18th century, Charles VI gave Vienna two architectural masterpieces – Belvedere Palace and the Karlskirche. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |