Page 72 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2016 - 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 (St Dominik von Fernkorn, are of
Michael’s Doorway), which leads Volksgarten (the People’s Garden) Archduke Charles and Prince
to the Hofburg’s inner courtyard. was created in 1820, when Eugene of Saxony.
On both sides of the doorway Napoleon had the city walls The latter stands in front of
are 19th-century wall fountains, destroyed. The sophisticated, Neue Burg, which now houses
designed by Rudolf Weyr, which formal planta tions created in a number of museums
represent the empire’s land and the French style, particularly including the Ephesos Museum,
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 People met at one of two a collection of early musical
parts date from the 13th Classicist structures by Peter von instruments, some owned by
century. According to legend, Nobile, Theseustempel (the famous musicians; and one of
the church was built in 1221 Temple of Theseus) or Cortisches the most impressive arms
by Leopold VI of Babenberg. Kaffeehaus, remains of which collections in Europe.
Its present form dates from are visible in today’s Garden Café.
1792, when it was given a Neo- Canova’s statue of Theseus was
Classical façade, while still meant for the temple, but today
preserving its Baroque portal. it graces the Kunsthistorisches
The interior features one of the Museum (see pp88–91). Instead,
most beautiful Rococo altars a statue of an athlete (1921) by
in Vienna. Above the altar is Josef Müllner stands in front of
a stucco relief depicting the the temple. There is also a
expulsion of the rebel angels monument devoted to the
from heaven and the Archangel writer Franz Grillparzer and
Gabriel at the head of the a fountain memorial dedicated
heavenly host. to Empress Elisabeth.
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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