The Karlskirche in Vienna is a must see. A jewel in the crown of Europe's architectural heritage, the Catholic church stands out for the variety of its Baroque architectural elements and their elegant combination with other styles. Everything seems simple, but there is nothing simple about it. Today, the church is no longer used for worship, but functions as a museum, generously opening its doors to visitors of all faiths.
The church was built in memory of Carlo Borromeo, the city's saviour from the plague, a fierce defender of the faith, a faithful servant not only of God but also of the monarchy, the patron saint of Charles VI of Habsburg and a tireless fighter against the Reformation. Such activity in the person of one man was not to everyone's taste, however, and the priest was even assassinated.
If you don't get hooked and read more about this extraordinary clergyman, you will want to visit the Church of St Charles even more.
Near the main entrance to the church, to the right and left, there are towering statues of two white angels in the Greek style, symbolising the unity of the two books of the Bible - the Old and New Testaments.
The gables of the building are decorated with sculptures symbolising faith, mercy, repentance and humility. At the centre of these supreme human virtues is a statue of St Carlo Borromeo himself, the only nephew of the Pope to be canonised.
The mixture of different cultural styles in the architecture of the building is particularly evident in the two huge columns, very similar to the Roman ones, but with small rooms on top, as in Islamic minarets. The side chapels are a fine example of Italian Baroque, but their roofs are very similar to Chinese pagodas. The central portico is reminiscent of a Roman temple façade, and the transept is that of a Gothic cathedral.
The temple is over 70 metres high, and the massive patinated dome that crowns the church of St Charles Borromeo has a viewing platform with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. In front of the cathedral is a mirrored pond. One of the favourite pastimes of travellers is to take photographs of the majestic temple reflected in the water.
It would seem that such a mixture of styles could not be made into an organic composition. However, the two Austrian architects Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and Josef Fischer von Erlach (father and son) succeeded. They were also able to ensure that the visual unity of the church was maintained from every angle. Every architectural detail of the Church of St Karl has an allegorical meaning. The triumphal columns, for example, glorify the Emperor Charles.
The eclecticism of this Baroque masterpiece is by no means an arbitrary idea or a desire to be original. Johann von Erlach wanted to convey the spiritual ideas of the world's greatest projects - the Temple in Jerusalem, St Sophia in Istanbul, St Peter's in Rome, St Paul's in London and the Pantheon — in a single structure.
The façade, gables, columns and dome — the architecture of the Cham is endless to admire, but it's worth rushing inside to see the carvings, frescoes and altarpieces that are just as impressive.
The interior decoration of the church is the work of many famous artists. For example, the relief on the altar of St Carlo Borromeo ascending to heaven is by Albert Camesina. The ceiling fresco of the central dome is by Johann Michael Rottmayr. Most of the frescoes inside the monumental building depict the life of St Charles Borromeo.
What's more, there's no tarmac around the cathedral, just beautiful green lawns where you can organise a family picnic — happy children and adults can quietly admire one of the finest examples of European architecture.
With its refined luxury and unique eclecticism, the Karlskirche is like a colourful dream come true of a flooded fairytale palace, with singing angels and snow-white sculptures that seem to descend from the church's gables for an edifying conversation about eternity.
