In the year 1713 the plaque or as it was called, the Black Death, broke out in Vienna. All manner of precautions were adopted to prevent the spread of the pestilence. The schools were closed, meetings were forbidden, even the churches stood empty for fear of deadly communication. In spite of all the regulations, the plague continued and thousands died. The emperor, Charles VI, made a solemn promise in the presence of his court in the cathedral of St. Stephen, that if God would save the townspeople from this scourge, he would build a magnificent church in honor of St. Charles Borromeo; and in fact, from that day on the plague diminished and then disappeared altogether. The emperor fulfilled his pledge with a glad heart. The church of St. Charles was erected in thanksgiving. This beautiful church took 21 years to build and still stands as a lasting testimony to the fulfillment of a vow.
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