On this square in 1981, an anti-Jewish terrorist attack occurred, orchestrated by Palestinian terrorists. During a machine gun and grenade attack, two people were killed, and thirty individuals, who were celebrating their bar mitzvah at the Stadttempel in Vienna on August 29, 1981, were injured. Two Palestinian militants, 25-year-old Marwan Hasan from Jordan and 21-year-old Ghesham Mohammed Rajeh, born in Iraq, were convicted of murder and attempted murder. Rajeh was also charged with the murder on May 1 of Heinz Nittel, the head of the Austrian-Israeli Society.
A leisurely stroll through the historic part of the city unfolds a tapestry of enchanting landmarks. The city park, adorned with the melodies of Strauss and Schubert, leads to the venerable city gates named after Luger and Mozart. The narrative of "Ah, My Sweet Augustine" echoes through time, while the oldest church in the city stands as a testament to bygone eras. The tales of Theodor Herzl, the anchor clocks, the Jewish quarter, the square where it all began, the longest narrow alley, the Estergazi restaurant, and Andersen's house weave together seamlessly.
Wander down Graben Street, passing by the plague column and fountains, where the stories of homes, people, words, legends, and traditions blend harmoniously. Amidst it all, relish the charm of restaurants, cafes, wines, and coziness that add an extra layer of warmth to this rich tapestry of history and culture.