Synopses & Reviews
The historical center of Vienna was named a UNESCO World Heritage landmark in December 2001. The criteria for this selection were the variety and quality of the architecture and urban construction in Vienna, which comprises the middle ages, the Baroque period, the end of the eighteenth century and the beginnings of Modernism. These styles still characterize the city today. Manfred Wehdorn's city guide takes the visitor on a tour of historical Viennese streets and squares, but also to hidden locations in Viennese courtyards. Vienna's history comes to life as the connections between the buildings and palaces and their builders, architects and inhabitants are revealed. The city guide is a systematic compendium containing fifty city maps to make orientation within the city and locating the individual sights easier.
Synopsis
Vienna's historical center was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage landmark, and Manfred Wehdorn's new guide takes the visitor on a tour of the historical streets and busy urban squares as well as the quiet hidden courtyards that make Vienna unique. This architecturally and culturally rich metropolis comes alive as the stories behind the buildings and palaces -- their builders, architects, and often illustrious inhabitants -- are revealed in Wehdorn's illuminating text.
The guide itself is a useful and systematic compendium containing fifty maps that make navigating the city and locating the individual sites a breeze. For anyone interested in, or planning to visit, this beloved European capital, "Vienna: A City Guide" is essential reading.
About the Author
MANFRED WEHDORN, born 1942, is an internationally recognised architect, urban designer and preservationist, and was commissioned by the municipal authorities to plan Vienna's candidacy for a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of his work as an architect, the Redoutensäle, the Museum Quarter and the Gasometers alone have become an integral part of the city. MARIO SCHWARZ is professor at the University of Vienna's Institute of Art History, his main fields of interest being architectural history and archaeological building research. His is on the board of a number of preservationist organisations and is author of numerous scientific publications on art. SUSANNE HAYDER, born 1967, has a degree in art history and building preservation. She is currently involved in inventory projects for the Vienna authorities.
Table of Contents
Foreword and Preface.- Introduction.- The City Structure - Historical city streets and squares.- The Town Center: Stephansplatz - Graben; Naglergasse - Am Hof; Judenplatz - Wipplingerstraße - Am Gestade; Tiefer Graben - Freyung; Herrengasse - Minoritenplatz; Michaelerplatz - Alte Hofburg; Josefsplatz - Augustinerkirche; Lobkowitzplatz - Neuer Markt; Kärntner Straße; Himmelpfortgasse - Franziskanerplatz - Blutgassenviertel; Bäckerstraße - Alte Universität - Schönlaterngasse - Sonnenfelsgasse; Lugeck - Hoher Markt - Ruprechtsplatz; Donaukanal - Franz-Josephs-Kai.- The Ringstraße: Schottenring; Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Ring; Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring; Burgring - Neue Hofburg; Opernring - Karlsplatz; Schwarzenbergplatz; The Baroque main axes: Palais Schwarzenberg - Schloss Belvedere; Beethovenplatz - Stadtpark; Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Platz - Stubenring.- The Bordering Suburbs: Alsergrund; Josefstadt; Neubau; Mariahilf; Margareten and Wieden; Landstraße; Leopoldstadt and Brigittenau