The Ringstrasse: Grand Buildings of the Imperial Era
Opera, Parliament and City Hall on the emperor's boulevard
TopicWien- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private tour along Vienna's Ringstrasse shows how the old city walls became a boulevard of grand buildings. You discover the architecture of historicism and the society behind it.
In 1857 Emperor Franz Joseph ordered the fortifications around the old town to be torn down. In their place came a broad boulevard, opened in 1865, which turned Vienna into a modern metropolis.
The leading architects of the day lined the Ringstrasse with monumental buildings in historic styles: the neo-Renaissance State Opera, Theophil Hansen's Parliament modeled on ancient Greece, Friedrich von Schmidt's Gothic Revival City Hall, the University and the Burgtheater.
In between, ambitious industrial and banking families built their palaces. Your guide explains why each style carried a message, who lived and partied here, and what the Ringstrasse reveals about the ambition, progress and contrasts of the imperial age.
Highlights
- State Opera, Burgtheater and University
- Parliament in ancient Greek style
- The Gothic Revival City Hall
- Palaces of industrialists and bankers
- The meaning behind historic architectural styles
The route
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1State Opera
The first monumental building on the Ring and home of musical Vienna.
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2Heldenplatz
The New Castle and grand plans for an imperial forum.
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3Parliament
Theophil Hansen's temple of democracy.
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4City Hall and Burgtheater
Civic pride facing imperial culture.
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5University and Votive Church
Science and faith on the northern Ring.
Who this tour is for
Ideal for architecture fans and anyone who wants to truly understand Vienna's cityscape.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are never included in the tour price. When you book, we are happy to tell you which admissions apply to your group.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour for your group only. The price is per group, not per person, which makes it great value for families and friends traveling together.
Can the tour include a tram ride?
Yes, if you like you can ride part of the Ring by tram. Tickets are not included in the price.
