Architecture in Vienna #1

Hello everyone, today we are going to visit Vienna. The holidays are over, New Year's, Christmas Eve, Christmas. I enjoyed it with my family and loved ones, I hope you had a great holiday too, and I wish you all the best in 2025. It's time to take a walk and visit, and today we will see what architecture in Vienna is, in short, AMAZING

Vienna, the capital of Austria, the first thing I think of when I think of this beautiful country is sausages, at least for me it associates it with food, with good sausages. But apart from food, it associates me with buildings, with architecture, Rome had one style, Vienna has something totally different. The buildings are stable, solid, nothing could knock them down. The architecture is beautifully done in Vienna, everything is precise, everything is in one style and most of the buildings were built several centuries ago, and they are so well preserved and made with quality, they look as if they were completed a few days ago, not centuries.

Church of Saint Charles Borromeo (Karlskirche) in Vienna

The Church of St. Charles Borromeo, known as the Karlskirche, is one of the most impressive masterpieces of Baroque architecture in Vienna. Located on Karlsplatz, this monumental building attracts attention with its unique aesthetics and historical significance.

History and context of creation

The Karlskirche was built in thanksgiving after the city suffered a major plague epidemic in 1713, which claimed thousands of lives. Emperor Charles VI. he vowed to build a church dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo, protector of the plague and famous 16th-century archbishop of Milan.

Construction began in 1716 according to the designs of Johann Bernard Fischer von Erlach, one of the most famous architects of the Austrian Baroque. After his death in 1723, the work was taken over by his son Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach, who completed the church in 1737.

Architectural features

Karlskirche is a unique combination of baroque style with elements of classicism and renaissance. Its monumentality and details symbolize the victory of faith and the human spirit.

1. Facade
   The facade was designed as an allegory of victory over the plague. The central part of the church is dominated by a portico similar to ancient Greek temples, with columns and a triangular tympanum.
   The main entrance is decorated with sculptures of angels and saints that evoke sublimity and spirituality.

2. Columns inspired by Trajan's Column
   Two imposing spiral columns on both sides of the facade are decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Saint Charles Borromeo.
   The columns are clearly inspired by Rome's Column of Trajan, adding a Roman classicist touch to the baroque design.

3. The dome
   The 72-meter-high green dome is a symbol of heavenly perfection. Its impressive height and shape dominate the surroundings and give the church a distinctive look.
   The frescoes inside the dome depict the ascension of Saint Charles Borromeo and viewing the world from above.

Cultural and touristic importance

Karlskirche is not only a religious building, but also the cultural center of Vienna. Concerts by composers such as Mozart and Beethoven are often held, which contributes to its special status among tourists and art lovers.

Visitors can use the elevator to go up to the observation deck inside the dome, where there is a spectacular view of the frescoes and the city of Vienna.

Conclusion

The Karlskirche is a symbol of Viennese Baroque art and history. Its monumental architecture, rich interior and connection with the fight against the plague make it an unmissable place for every visitor to Vienna. Whether you are interested in art, history or spirituality, a visit to this church leaves a deep and unforgettable impression.

Beautiful Vienna station

One of the buildings that I photographed that was also interesting to me is the station, which is also made in the Baroque style. It is located near the Church of St. Charles and also adorns the streets of Vienna with its beauty, solidity and style.

Josef Ressel (1793–1857) – inventor of the ship's propeller

Josef Ressel was an Austrian and Czech engineer, forester and inventor, best known for his pioneering work on the development of the ship's propeller, which revolutionized maritime transport. His inventions contributed to the improvement of ship propulsion systems and laid the foundations for modern shipbuilding.

Early life and education

Josef Ressel was born on June 29, 1793 in Chrudim in the then Habsburg Monarchy (today's Czech Republic). His father was of German origin, and his mother was Czech. He showed an early interest in technology, science and nature.

He studied at the Technical School in Vienna, where he acquired basic knowledge in mathematics, physics and engineering. After that, he specialized in forestry in Ljubljana, which enabled him to start his career as a state forester.

Career and invention

Although he was a forester by profession, Ressel was engaged in research and experiments in the field of mechanics and technical inventions. His most important achievement was the development of the marine propeller.

Propeller development

In 1827, Ressel first patented his ship's propeller design. The propeller was designed as a spiral bladed device that rotates and allows the ship to move more efficiently through the water. His idea was ahead of its time and was met with resistance and skepticism.

In 1829, Ressel tested his propeller on the steamship "Civetta" in Trieste. The experiment was successful, but due to technical problems, including a failure of the steam engine, he had to stop further tests. Nevertheless, the basic idea of ​​his design remained key to the later development of modern marine propellers.

Importance and contributions

Ressel's work on the marine propeller was of enormous importance to the marine industry. His invention enabled faster, more economical and more efficient water transport. Although other researchers, such as Francis Smith and John Eric, later perfected and popularized the propeller, Ressel's contribution remains indispensable in history.

In addition, he was involved in other engineering projects, including forestry and hydraulic improvements.

I hope you enjoyed this post, and that you enjoyed visiting Vienna, if you haven't visited Vienna, be sure to visit it, because your city will surprise you in a positive way, you will enjoy every step, you will not remain indifferent.

I found all the content and all the information about the buildings, their history and culture on the internet.