Roman Quarry of St. Margarethen: Stone for Vienna
Quarry, sculptors and opera under the open sky
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private tour shows you the Roman quarry of St. Margarethen in Burgenland, one of the oldest quarries in Europe. You will learn why St. Stephen's Cathedral and Ringstrasse buildings in Vienna are built of this stone and how the quarry became an opera stage.
The Romans already cut the pale limestone at St. Margarethen, and for centuries the quarry supplied material for major buildings in Vienna. The huge walls still show traces of the work, and the sheer size of the site impresses every visitor.
Since 1959 artists have met here for a sculpture symposium, and their works stand on the hill above the quarry. In summer the quarry turns into a stage for opera performances against a spectacular backdrop. Your guide brings together geology, building history and culture on an unusual walk.
This is a private tour: just your own group, your pace and plenty of time for questions. Our licensed guides are happy to adjust the focus to your interests before the day.
Highlights
- One of Europe's oldest quarries
- Stone for St. Stephen's and the Ringstrasse
- Sculpture symposium since 1959
- Opera in the quarry
- Traces of the stonemasons
The route
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1Quarry
Rock walls and cutting marks.
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2Stage area
Opera against the cliffs.
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3Sculptors' hill
Works of the symposium.
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4St. Margarethen village
Village and stonemason tradition.
Who this tour is for
Culture and architecture lovers, opera fans and groups around Eisenstadt.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees for the quarry are not included in the tour price and are paid on site. Your guide will let you know in advance which tickets you will need.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour, so you pay one price per group, not per person. The amount depends on the duration and group size, and you receive a quote with your request.
Can we visit the quarry without seeing an opera?
Yes, the quarry is open outside performances too, with seasonal limits. We check your date in advance.
