Building Rating 60% of readers like the Karl Church (Vienna).
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T his church was built to honor Saint Charles Borromeo and thank God for delivering Vienna from the plague. Stately in appearance, it is often overlooked by tourists in spite of its imposing presence. Inside it is brightly lit in comparison to the Stephansdom, and the frescoes and murals can easily be studied for hours. But remember, like all churches and cathedrals in Vienna, this is a place of worship, and you are likely to find yourself in the middle of a service with little warning. The building actually incorporated four different types of architecture. The columns are evocative of ancient Rome, the front entrance is Greek, the dome is contemporary Roman, and the towers are Viennese. The two columns in front are decorated with scenes from the life of Saint Charles Borromeo. The left column shows his steadfastness, the right illustrates his courage. Both were inspired by Trajan's Column in the Forum in Rome. Each conceal a winding staircase leading to observation points at the top. These staircases are now closed. The church appears to have recently undergone renovation, but unfortunately has been marred by graffiti. This may be the result of being next door to a university.
