Architecture of Vienna prior to 1848
by Pasha N.

 

Vienna was founded originally by the Romans centuries ago as a fortified camp on the Danube River. As the years passed, Vienna endured several attacks from Turks and survived thanks to its massive fortifications. These fortifications were built around the Altstadt, the "old city" of Vienna. As the city became more and more populated, suburban areas began to cluster outside the walls of the Altstadt. The city was at the foot of a major river, and it became a prominent city in European trade. The suburban areas outside of the fortifications were destroyed when attacked, but promptly rebuilt. Soon enough, the walls were expanded to include the suburban areas.

Contrasting with London and Paris, Vienna is more of a cultural icon on the European map, rather than a political one. The famous Vienna Opera House, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Strauss’ Waltz- all define Vienna. A key element in the architecture, styling and life in Vienna is the famed Ringstrasse, a circular road, which encloses the inner city. Businesses, homes, museums, parks and even the imperial palace, Hofburg, are on the Ringstrasse. This type of construction is much more centralized and organized, than the square grid constructions of most major cities. Aristocracy resided directly in the center, and all spheres of life were inside a circumference of the most important street. The poorer classes resided outside the Ringstrasse, in the plainer suburban areas of the city. Famous buildings in Vienna are mostly in the Baroque (church of Saint Peter) and Gothic (Saint Stephan’s Cathedral) styles.

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