Vienna City Park
Opened in 1862, Stadtpark is located in the centre of Vienna and is one of the city's most popular recreational areas. One of the most famous sights of the park is the gilded statue of the composer Johann Strauss.
The history of the Vienna City Park
From the Parkring in the first district to the Heumarkt in the third district stretches the approximately 95,000 square meters large city park. Already during the Biedermeier period in the first half of the 19th century, the area around the former Wasserglacis was a popular recreational area. It was located near the Karolin Gate, a part of the former city fortifications. It was demolished in the course of the demolition of the Vienna city wall around 1860.
The mayor of Vienna at the time, Andreas Zelinka, was very keen to create a public green space. Originally, the Vienna City Expansion Fund handed over an area of 94,000 square metres for the project, but in the course of construction work the area was expanded by 51,000 square metres on the right bank of the Vienna River. The two green oases are connected via the Stadtparksteg. The first public park was opened on 21 August 1862.
The Vienna City Park for nature lovers
The city of Vienna entrusted the landscape painter Joseph Selens with the planning. His journeys to North Africa, the Canary and Cape Verde Islands made him famous, where he made thousands of sketches and paintings. In 1962 he was finally commissioned to provide a design for the city park, which horticulturist Rudolph Siebeck revised.
The plants of the recreation area were selected so that visitors can admire blooming ornamental shrubs and flowers at any time of the year. Some rarities such as a Christ thorn, a Caucasian wing nut, a pyramid poplar and a ginkgo are even protected.
Sightseeings in the Vienna City Park
The city park is not only ideal for walking and relaxing, but also for culture lovers. Among the famous sights is the gilded monument of the composer Johann Strauss. Statues of Anton Bruckner, Franz Lehar and Franz Schubert also commemorate famous musicians. The former milk drinking hall Meierei is now home to a top restaurant.
