Best of Vienna Architecture

Designed by Otto Wagner, Majolica House (Majolica Haus) is named after the weather-proof, painted ceramic floral designs on the facade.

Wagner was the founding member of Vienna Secession, a group of artists that formed at the end of the 19th century. The group rebelled against the formality and ostentation of older styles. According to “Modern Architecture,” a book written by Wagner, building design should be functional. Wagner's architecture was a cross between traditional styles and Art Nouveau (Jugendstil in Austria) influences. Despite the flat, rectilinear shape, the Majolica House is still considered Art Nouveau.

Today, the first floor of Majolica House is occupied by shops, while the floors above are divided into apartments.
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Address
Linke Wienzeile 40
1060 Vienna

A mandatory picture landmark in Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is Austria’s most eminent Gothic edifice. The oldest remaining parts go back to the 13th century. The Giant Gate and the Towers of the Heathens are both in the Romanesque style. The Gothic nave, the choir and the side chapels are the result of rebuilding in the 14th and 15th centuries, while some of the outbuildings (Lower Vestry), are Baroque additions.

The cathedral houses many art treasures: the red-marble tomb of Emperor Frederick III sculpted from 1467 to 1513 by Niclas Gerhaert van Layden, the pulpit from 1514-15 by Anton Pilgram, the Altarpiece of Wiener Neustadt, a Gothic winged altar from 1447 and a tomb of Prince Eugene of Savoy from 1754.

Climb the 343 steps to the Stephansdom tower-keeper’s room and enjoy the view of Vienna.
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Address
Stephansplatz
1010 Vienna

Hours:
Mon-Sat, 6am-10pm
Sun and holidays, 7am-10pm
on holidays, 07:00 - 22:00
Guided tour
Mon-Sat, 10:30am and 3pm
Sun and holidays, 3pm
June to September, guided evening tour with sightseeing visit to roof
Sat, 7pm

Entry: free
Guided tours: Adults, 4.50Euro; Children under 15, 1.50Euro

The new modern building scandalized the Viennese population by its contrast to Stephansdom located next to it. The building was designed by Hans Hollein, an Austrian architect and Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, whose designs came to symbolize Modernist Viennese architecture. Haas Haus was built in 1985-1990 and it mixes stone and glass with old and new architecture styles. Today Haas Haus houses a hotel, café, a restaurant and shops.
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Address
Stephansplatz
1010 Vienna

The Goldman and Salatsch Building, sometimes referred to as Adolf Loos House, is located at Michaelerplatz across from the Imperial Palace. The modern building was criticized for its lack of ornamentation, which supposedly so enraged the Emperor that he kept the curtains closed on that side of the palace. The building was designed by architect Adolf Loos who established the stark, minimalist style that you can admire looking at The Goldman and Salatsch Building.
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Address
3 Michaelerplatz
1010 Vienna

Karlskirche, St. Charles Church, is situated on the south side of Karlsplatz, and is one of the most outstanding Baroque churches in the world. The church boasts a dome in the form of an elongated ellipsoid.

Designed by the famous Baroque architect Josef Bernhard Fischer von Erlach the church was finished in 1739 by Erlach’s son Joseph Emanuel. The church is consecrated to the patron saint of the Habsburg emperor, Saint Charles Borromeo and it was a result of a promise made by Emperor Charles VI during plague epidemic. The 1,250 square meters frescoes in the cupola by Johann Michael Rottmayr show the glory of Saint Charles Borromeo.
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Address
Karlsplatz
1040 Vienna

Hours:
Mon-Sat 9am-12:30pm and 1-6pm
Sun and holidays, noon-5:45pm
Last cupola ride with the elevator at 5:30pm

Admission: 6Euro

The Kunst Haus Wien, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, surprises passersby by its lack of straight lines. Hundertwasser was known for his aversion to straight lines and fondness of color. Even the floors bend in Kunst Haus Wien. The building serves as a museum and houses the world's only permanent exhibition of Hundertwasser's works, including his design of a model city.
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Address
Untere Weißgerberstraße 13
1030 Vienna

Hours:
Daily, 10am-7pm
Free tours: Hundertwasser exhibition (permanent)
Sun and holidays at noon
Free tours: special exhibition
Sun and holidays, 3pm

Admission:
Adults: 9Euro
Children 11-18: 4.50Euro
10 and under: Free