Page 72 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Austria

70  VIENNA AREA B Y AREA

centre of a majestic imperial
forum that was to adjoin the
old Hofburg complex, sur-
rounded by new buildings
housing the emperor’s art
collection. Neue Burg (New
Castle) was com pleted in
1913, but by then the monarchy
was dying out.
The vast, undeveloped Heroes’
Square, the largest public space
in Vienna, remained. It was here,
in March 1938, that Adolf Hitler
announced Austria’s incorpo-
ration into the German Reich.
The entrance to the square is
via Ballhausplatz or Burgtor
(Palace Gate), built in 1824 to
Stucco angels in Michaelerkirche, Michaelerplatz commemorate the victory of
the coalition against Napoleon
f Michaelerplatz g Volksgarten in the Battle of Nations, at
Leipzig (1813). Later, it served as
Map 2 B4. % Herrengasse. @ 2A, 3A. Dr-Karl-Renner-Ring. Map 2 A4.
% Herrengasse. v 1, 2, 71, D. @ 2A. the Monument to the Unknown
Michaelerplatz faces the grand Open Apr–Oct: 6am–10pm daily; Soldier. The two equestrian
main entrance into the imperial Nov–Mar: 7:30am–5:30pm daily. statues in the square, by Anton
residence, the Michaelertor Dominik von Fernkorn, are of
(St Michael’s Doorway), which Volksgarten (the People’s Garden) Archduke Charles and Prince
leads to the Hofburg’s inner was created in 1820, when Eugene of Saxony.
courtyard. On both sides of the Napoleon had the city walls The latter stands in front of
doorway are 19th-century wall destroyed. The sophisticated, the Neue Burg, which now
fountains designed by Rudolf formal planta tions created in houses a number of museums
Weyr which represent the the French style, particularly including the Ephesos Museum,
empire’s land and sea power. the splendid rose gardens, named after the archaeological
Michaelerkirche (St Michael’s became a place of relaxation site in Turkey which yielded
church) was once the parish for fashionable society. the finds on display here;
church of the court. Its oldest In the middle of the park is a collection of early musical
parts date from the 13th the Theseustempel (the Temple instruments, some owned by
century. According to legend, of Theseus), a classical-stye famous musicians; and one of
the church was built in 1221 structure by Peter von Nobile. the most impressive arms
by Leopold VI of Babenberg. Von Nobile was also responsible collections in Europe.
Its present form dates from for the Cortisches Kaffeehaus,
1792, when it was given a Neo- remains of which are visible in
Classical façade, while still today’s Garden Café. In front of
preserving its Baroque portal. the temple is a statue of an
The interior features one of the athlete (1921) by Josef Müllner.
most beautiful Rococo altars A monument devoted to the
in Vienna. Above the altar is writer Franz Grillparzer and a
a stucco relief depicting the fountain memorial dedicated to
expulsion of the rebel angels Empress Elisabeth can also be
from heaven and the Archangel found in the garden. A modern
Gabriel at the head of the pavilion provides refreshments
heavenly host. and evening entertainment.
In the 17th and 18th
centuries, affluent parishioners h Heldenplatz
were buried under the church.
Their well-preserved corpses, Map 2 A4, A5. % Volkstheater,
clothed in their burial finery, Herren gasse. v 1, 2, 71, D. @ 1A,
are displayed in the crypt, in 2A, 46, 49, 57A. Neue Burg museums:
open coffins. Tel 52 524-5202. Open 10am–6pm The equestrian statue of Prince Eugene
The remains of a Roman Wed–Sun. & 9 of Saxony, Heldenplatz
encampment, as well as some
medieval foundations, were During Vienna’s grand j Alte Burg
discovered underneath the 19th-century reconstruction,
square in 1990. Heldenplatz was planned as the See pp72–3.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see pp292–3 and pp310–12

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