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 | Vienna Karlskirche & Karlsplatz Reviews | Tips 31 - 40 of 105 |  |
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“Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head.” — Saint Charles Borromeo (1538–1584) Master of the Baroque in Vienna, Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach looked to Ancient Rome and Renaissance Rome for the elements that he so skillfully combined in 1715 to create Karlskirche (the Church of St. Charles). To give thanks to God for delivering Vienna from plague that swept the city in 1713, Emperor Karl VI made a vow to build a church dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo. As Archbishop of Milan Our Saint had ministered to those sick and dying of plague in his city in 1576. The two free-standing front columns are decorated with scenes from Our Saint’s life. The left column shows his steadfastness, the right illustrates his courage. Both were inspired by Trajan’s Column in Rome. The triangular pediment and columns of the front porch are designed after Rome’s Pantheon. And the dramatic green copper, 236-foot high dome pays homage to St. Peter’s; Karlskirche is a landmark on the Viennese skyline. The Angel of the Old Testament is to the left of the front steps; the Angel of the New Testament stands to the right (see photos #2 and #3). This church is quite visible, standing as it does outside the narrow quarters of the center of the city, with land surrounding it, its many splendid elements can be better appreciated. And to Heaven On the high altar San Carlo is assumed into Heaven with hosts of angels to guide his way (see photo #5). Our Saint is the patron of apple orchards, catechists, seminarians, and starch makers; he’s invoked against stomachaches and ulcers. Now here’s a thought: the same artist, Lorenzo Mattielli, who created this masterpiece also carved those rock-hard muscular Hercules in front of the Michaelertrakt! (see von.otter’s Vienna travelogue “Hercules in Stone” for photos) Leave a Comment
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| | | | Karlskirche & Karlsplatz: Henry Moore's works in front of Karlskirche. | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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