The Museum Hundertwasser in the Kunst Haus Wien (closed Monday) is part of the Hundredwasserhaus. It presents key paintings
and graphic works, as well as other examples of his work. For more
information see the official site of the Kunst Haus Wien
Hundertwasser Museum.
The Prater is regarded with an almost religious admiration by the residents of
Vienna. This large public park (not unlike the Englischer Garten in Munich) was
once hunting grounds owned by the Habsburgs. In the 17th century it
became a public park and over the years, numerous attractions were added, including a number of cafes and restaurants. Aside
from its open spaces and wonderful atmosphere, the Prater is also known for
its giant Ferris Wheel and the Prater Amusement Park (you may remember the
large compartments on the Ferris Wheel from the movie "The Third Man").
As you wander down the Graben on your way to the Stephansdom or for some shopping, you will undoubtedly notice a tall column
that sits in the middle of this pedestrian walkway.
Vienna was hard hit by plague several times and the end of each
outbreak led to building of a commemorative edifice. To
celebrate the end of an especially widespread instance of the plague in the 17th century,
Emperor Leopold I had a decorative column erected on the Graben.
Known as the Pestäule, this interesting, Baroque-style
column was designed to represent the agony and suffering created by
the plague and its defeat through the power of prayer.
The details of the column
are impressive, as are the figures acting out an idyllic version of the end
of the plague.
Built in the 19th century on the Ringstrasse, the Neues
Rathaus (New Town Hall) dwarfs its surroundings. Its central tower is capped with an 11
foot tall statue of an armored knight, affectionately known as "Rathausmann",
that towers approximately 30 stories above the Rathausplatz and the lovely
Rathaus Park. This lace-like building is beautiful, but functional, as it
serves as the Vienna City Hall. By the way, if you
visit in December, many areas of the city will be the sites of Christmas
Markets, but one of the best will be in front of the Neues Rathaus.
Next - explore our menu on the right hand edge of this page to find other
types of sightseeing in Vienna
Alternatively, if you want to find out about a specific attraction and know
its name, look
for it in our
index to the best places to visit in
Vienna.
