Karlskirche

Walking up to this church i was not really impressed by its exterior. It seemed to be stuffed between the technical university and an ugly platz. Surrounding it there were many skate boarders and graffiti. Looking back I should have held this away from my judgement for a place considering all these were developments from much later than this place's construction. Upon entering I was fascinated with the audio guides information about every single kiosk and statue in the place. Everything was donated by a certain person and done by a famous artist and it represented something specific for that parish. It makes sense that something a community would need would appear. After we finished looking around at ground level we ascended in the elevator and climbed many steps to reach the very top of the dome. Standing that close to the beautiful and elaborate paintings on the ceiling was enlightening. I realized that all the pictures were telling a story and relaying a teaching from the bible. Many were also reinforcing the relationship between royalty and God, affirming the state's power.

I wonder who was permitted to actually reach the top of the dome and if people were able to see it without the elevator blocking the view from the bottom. I'm glad that due to the restoration in this church I was able to experience such a rare view.