Karlskirche, or St. Charles’ Church, in Vienna was built in the 18^th century and is a stunning building.  The dome and columns of the church make for a beautiful sight.  However, it is what is inside that makes Karlskirche worth visiting.

When you enter the church, look up.  There you will see 1,256 square meters of fresco by Johann Michael Rottmayr.  While Karlskirche is by no means the only church with a cupola full of frescoes, it is the only church which I have been in that has an elevator that takes you up to the cupola (and a sign reminding you that screaming is uncool).

With the help of the elevator and some stairs at the top, visitors are taken 35 meters up into the church.  Suddenly, the art work that from below was merely nice becomes impressive. Breathtaking.  Huge.  Being so close to such a massive work of art allows for scrutiny, and in turn, appreciation for the artist’s work.

Currently, the frescoes are being renovated so you’ll have to deal with some scaffolding.  Luckily, when you get to the top you’ll be high enough that you won’t notice.