Anonymous
"Kurze Geschichte und Beschreibung der k.k. Pfarrkirche zum heiligen Carl…" is a commemorative ecclesiastical booklet written in the early 19th century. It offers a devotional historical account and architectural description of Vienna’s church dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo, likely composed for a jubilee of its consecration. The book’s topic is the founding, consecration, architecture, artworks, and later history of the church, together with a concise hagiographic sketch of its patron saint. The narrative opens with Emperor Charles VI’s vow during a devastating plague to build a church in honor of St. Charles Borromeo, followed by the choice of site, the plan by Fischer von Erlach, the laying of the foundation, and the completion and solemn consecration under Cardinal Kollonitz, including the dedication of the high altar, six side altars, and the blessing of eight bells. It then traces the church’s stewardship by the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star, the endowment under Maria Theresa, elevation to a parish under Joseph II, and notable restorations, culminating in a jubilee context. A detailed tour describes the monumental façade with portico, dome, and twin narrative columns, the luminous interior with Rottmayr’s frescoes, altarpieces by Pellegrini, Ricci, Gran, Van Stippen, and Altomonte, imperial oratories, and treasured relics of the saint. The appended life of St. Charles highlights his reforming zeal, disciplined piety, pastoral leadership in Milan—especially hi…
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