Am Hof Square is one of the most well-known and renowned squares in Vienna. The Babenberg rulers of Vienna and Styria established their court here, where Henry II moved the residence in 1155. The court was separated from the Jewish quarter by gates. Ten years after the construction of this residence, an illustrious guest visited - Frederick Barbarossa. He was on his way to Jerusalem during the Third Crusade. Later, the square became a venue for knightly tournaments and tournaments of medieval German Minnesingers - bard poets. It then became a market square where vegetables and fish were traded. Traditionally, since the time of the knights, an arsenal stood in the square. It was actively used during the Turkish siege of Vienna. In the second half of the 19th century, armor belonging to Maximilian I was extracted from this arsenal to create a knight for the new building of the city hall. However, in the mid-19th century, things were not so romantic here. During the bourgeois revolution of 1848-1849, a crowd stormed the Arsenal. The building was raided, and the military minister, Theodor von Latour, was pulled out and hanged on a lamppost. Today, this square is known to locals and visitors as the largest Christmas market square in the city.
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.
