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About St. Charles Church Vienna

  • Because of St. Charles Church’s famed acoustics, almost all seats will offer you a great musical experience.
  • The venue has about 200 seats, which may be on the pews or in the chair sections.
  • The wheelchair-friendly seats are at the rear of the church. But, if you want a good view of the performers, the front rows are the best, although they are pricier seats.

In 1713, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, made a commitment to construct a church dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, who was revered as a healer for those affected by the plague, one year after the last major outbreak. Construction started in 1716 under the guidance of Anton Erhard Martinelli. Following the passing of J.B. Fischer in 1723, the construction was finished by his son, Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach, in 1737, who used some modified versions of the initial plans. The church originally had a clear view of the Hofburg and served as the imperial patron parish church until 1918. Since Karlsplatz was restored as an ensemble in the late 1980s, St. Charles Church Vienna has garnered fame because of its dome and its famous twin columns of bas-reliefs. The church is maintained by a religious group known as the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star. For a long time, it has served as both the local parish church and the centre of Catholic student ministry for the Vienna University of Technology.

  • The architecture of St. Charles Church Vienna is a magnificent mix of a range of styles and elements of diverse natures.
  • The central façade leading to the porch is designed in the style of a Greek temple portico.
  • The columns created by Lorenzo Mattielli were inspired by Trajan's Column in Rome and are located nearby.
  • Adjacent to those, two pavilions with tower structures show the influence of the Roman Baroque style.
  • The dome, which was modified by J.E. Fischer Jr., stands tall above.
  • The inside of the Karlskirche is adorned in marble with red and gold accents, with the high altar being the masterpiece.
  • The church has fantastic views of the Karlsplatz, Resselpark, the Musikverein, and the Technical University of Vienna.

The Orchestra 1756 perform regularly at the St. Charles Church Vienna, bringing to life Antonio Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’, along with a few other pieces from Mozart, Bach, Biber, and other notable composers. They recreate the Golden Age of Viennese classical music and bring to you an authentic soundscape using period-appropriate instruments.

Know Before You Go

  • Bus: Lisztstraße and Schwarzenbergplatz are about 5 minutes' walking distance away from St. Charles Church. Bus lines 4A, 57A, 59A, 69A, N25, N60, and VAL 2 stop near the venue.
  • Tube: The closest subway station to St. Charles Church Vienna is Karlsplatz, where the U2, U1 and U4 lines intersect. Keep an eye out for exits to Resselpark.
  •  Train: Train lines REX1, REX3, S3, and S7 stop near St. Charles Church.
  • Recommended Mode of Transport: The most recommended mode of public transport that you can use to reach Karlskirche in Vienna is the subway. Take the U1 or U4 line to reach the Karlsplatz station. It is a short walk to the venue from there.
  • Parking: The area around St. Charles Church has many narrow lanes and bylanes and is a congested section of Vienna. Therefore, parking is hard to find. But, the city has a short-term parking zone almost everywhere, usually from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 22:00. The maximum parking time is of two hours. Make sure to enquire with traffic personnel before parking.
  • Wheelchair Spaces: St. Charles Church Vienna is committed to making performances accessible for guests with special needs. Wheelchair spaces are available in the hall.
  • Accessible Toilets: The venue has disability-friendly toilets available for guests with special needs. 
  • Staff Assistance: The staff at St. Charles Church Vienna are happy to provide assistance to guests who use wheelchairs. They also endeavour to assist all guests to the best of their abilities.
  • Air Conditioning: The venue may get cold in the winter and warm in the summer as there is no air conditioning.
  • Re-entering Policy: Be careful while attending the concerts in St. Charles Church Vienna because many do not allow guests to leave or enter during the concert. If you leave, you may not be allowed to enter again. 
  • Wheelchair Spaces: Wheelchairs are kept at the back of the church in their designated spaces. 
  • Arrive Early: It is best to arrive a little early for your concerts. The church is comparatively smaller than usual concert venues so this will help in eliminating delays.
  • Food and Beverage Policy: Food and drinks are not allowed inside but you’ll find bars and restaurants nearby.
  • Dress Recommendation: Since the venue is a place of worship, please dress appropriately. Usually, there are no dress codes but smart casuals or even formals are encouraged.
  • Naschmarkt Deli: Located a short walk away from St. Charles Church, the Naschmarkt Deli is a hub for Turkish and Mediterranean fare. The brunch served by them is particularly popular, with a large variety of dishes. 
  • Directions

    to Naschmarkt Deli

  • Café Central: The cafe is a historic landmark in Vienna, located in the heart of the city, at walking distance from St. Charles Church. Its coffee, pastries and classic Viennese fare are widely known all over the city. 
  • Directions

    to Café Central

  • Wiener Wiazhaus: If you’re looking for affordable Viennese-style cuisine, this local haunt is a popular spot. With outdoor seating options and a touch of vintage Viennese decor,  this restaurant will give you a truly traditional experience. 
  • Directions

    to Wiener Wiazhaus

  • Pizza Mari: If you’re looking for a cosy and warm place to have a laid-back meal, Pizza Mari is ideal. The restaurant serves some of the best traditional Neapolitan pizzas, with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Aperol, beer and wine are also available.
  • Directions

    to Pizza Mari

  • Tian Bistro am Spittelberg: For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, this bistro is a great option. Special care is given in order to source organic and seasonal produce that makes plant-based food full of flavour.
  • Directions to Tian Bistro am Spittelberg

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Charles Church Vienna

Currently, St. Charles Church is regularly hosting Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concerts, brought to the audience by the Orchestra 1756.