Michaelerplatz is a historic square in the center of Vienna, Austria. It is surrounded by buildings of different styles and periods, such as the Hofburg palace, the Loos House, the Palais Herberstein, and the St. Michael’s church. It also has Roman ruins in the middle of the square, which show the ancient origins of the city.
If you want to visit Michaelerplatz, you can buy a ticket for one of the guided tours that are offered by various agencies. The tours usually include the Hofburg palace, which is the former residence of the Habsburgs and now houses several museums and attractions, such as the Spanish Riding School, the Imperial Treasury, and the Sisi Museum. You can also visit the St. Michael’s church, which dates back to the 13th century and has a rich baroque interior. The Loos House is a modernist building designed by Adolf Loos in 1911, which caused a lot of controversy at the time for its lack of ornamentation. The Palais Herberstein is a neo-baroque palace built in 1897, which replaced a previous building that hosted a famous coffee house.
The opening hours and days of the attractions vary depending on the season and the day of the week, so it is advisable to check their websites before planning your visit. You can also find information about the prices and discounts for different groups and categories of visitors.
To get to Michaelerplatz, you can use public transportation or walk from other nearby landmarks. The closest subway station is Herrengasse (U3 line), which is about 5 minutes away by foot. You can also take the tram 1 or 2 to Burgring or Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring, which are about 10 minutes away by foot. Alternatively, you can walk from Stephansplatz (the main square with the cathedral), which is about 15 minutes away by foot.
Some tips for visiting Michaelerplatz are:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will be walking a lot and some parts of the square are cobblestoned.
- Bring a camera or a smartphone to take pictures of the beautiful architecture and scenery.
- Be respectful of the historical and cultural heritage of the place and follow the rules and signs of each attraction.
- Avoid visiting on Sundays and public holidays, as some attractions may be closed or crowded.
- Enjoy your visit and learn more about the history and culture of Vienna!
What to see in Michaelerplatz:
- The Hofburg palace: a complex of buildings that span several centuries and styles, from Gothic to Baroque to Neoclassical. It was the seat of power of the Habsburgs for over 600 years and now hosts several museums and institutions.
- The Loos House: a modernist building that broke with the traditional architecture of Vienna and sparked a debate about aesthetics and functionality. It was designed by Adolf Loos for a tailor shop and has a minimalist facade with marble slabs and windows.
- The Palais Herberstein: a neo-baroque palace that replaced an older building that housed a famous coffee house where many artists and intellectuals met. It has a richly decorated facade with sculptures and reliefs.
- The St. Michael’s church: a Romanesque church that was later renovated in Baroque style. It has a striking copper dome and a facade with statues of angels and saints. It also has a crypt with over 4,000 bodies preserved by natural mummification.
- The Roman ruins: archaeological remains of a Roman settlement that date back to the first century AD. They include parts of walls, floors, columns, and pottery.
