Here, you can see ancient walls and gates. The history of the gates spans at least three architectural phases. The oldest gates, Stubentor, were built around the year 1200. They consisted of a passage and a tower referred to in chronicles as the "Black Tower." Construction took place from 1195 to 1250. These gates, built in the Renaissance style, stood until the first Turkish siege in 1529. After the siege, from 1555 to 1566, the 25-meter Castentor tower with a bell tower was erected. The city wall withstood the second Turkish siege in 1683 and stood until 1831 when it received a classical facade. The demolition of the walls, extending to the present-day Coburg Palace, lasted from April 9 to September 19, 1862. Excavations in 1985-1987 during the construction of the U3 metro line and the eponymous station revealed part of the Black Tower walls. On March 10, 1528, Balthasar Hubmaier was executed in front of these gates. A black memorial plaque on the remains of the wall commemorates his death: "Doctor Balthazar Hubmaier 10.3.1528 was burned before Stubentor as a Baptist." Numerous funeral processions passed through Stubentor towards St. Mark's Cemetery in the 18th and 19th centuries. At that time, it was customary for mourners to accompany the hearse to the gates. One of Vienna's most famous residents finally left the city on the evening of December 6, 1791. It was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The funeral procession, as usual, reached the gates, and in the darkness, no one accompanied the composer's body beyond them.
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.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
