Kurpark Baden Stadtpark

Kurpark Baden, is a park that combines history and nature to create a truly unique atmosphere. The park is located in the spa town of Baden, near Vienna, and covers an area of about 15 hectares. The park offers a variety of attractions, from monuments and fountains to music and operetta performances.

The Origin of the Park

The park’s origin can be traced back to the Theresiengarten, a garden that was established in 1792 as a tribute to Empress Maria Theresia, the ruler of the Habsburg Empire. The garden was designed by the architect Joseph Kornhäusel, who also built several other buildings in Baden. The garden was open to the public, and it soon became a popular destination for the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie, who enjoyed the spa treatments and the cultural events in Baden.

The garden was later expanded and renamed as the Kurpark, or the spa park, in 1845. The park was further developed and beautified in the following decades, with the addition of new plants, paths, bridges, and sculptures. The park also witnessed some historical events, such as the visits of famous composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert, who were inspired by the park’s scenery and composed some of their works there. The park also hosted the Congress of Baden in 1814, which was a diplomatic meeting between the European powers after the defeat of Napoleon.

The Monuments of the Park

The park features several monuments that commemorate important figures from Baden’s history. One of the most prominent monuments is the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef monument, which was erected in 1898 to honor the 50th anniversary of his reign. The monument depicts the emperor on horseback, surrounded by four allegorical figures representing the four regions of his empire: Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, and Lombardy. The monument is located in the center of the park, and it is a popular spot for taking photos.

Another notable monument is the Lanner and Strauß monument, which was unveiled in 1905 to celebrate the two famous composers of the Viennese waltz: Joseph Lanner and Johann Strauß. The monument shows the two musicians playing their violins, while a group of dancers swirl around them. The monument is a tribute to the musical tradition of Baden, which was known as the “summer capital of the waltz”.

A third monument that deserves attention is the Grillparzer monument, which was dedicated in 1910 to the Austrian poet and playwright Franz Grillparzer. The monument portrays Grillparzer sitting on a bench, holding a book and a pen, while a muse stands behind him and whispers in his ear. The monument reflects Grillparzer’s connection to Baden, where he spent many summers and wrote some of his works, such as the drama “The Golden Fleece”.

The Attractions of the Park

The park also offers a variety of attractions that appeal to different tastes and interests. One of the most popular attractions is the music pavilion, which was constructed around 1900 in the Art Nouveau style. The pavilion is a circular structure with a dome-shaped roof, decorated with floral motifs and stained glass windows. The pavilion is the venue for the spa concerts, which are held every day from May to October, and feature various genres of music, from classical to jazz to pop.

Another attraction that draws many visitors is the Undine Fountain, which was built in 1880 and named after the water nymph from a fairy tale by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. The fountain consists of a large basin, in the middle of which stands a bronze statue of Undine, holding a fish in her hand. The fountain is surrounded by a ring of smaller basins, each containing a different kind of flower, creating a colorful and fragrant display.

In contrast, the flower clock, which has been functioning since 1929, may already seem somewhat outdated. The clock is made of a circular flower bed, in which the numbers and the hands are formed by different kinds of plants. The clock is synchronized with the town hall clock, and it changes its appearance according to the season and the occasion.

The Sommerarena, which is located next to the flower clock, has a unique feature – a glass roof that can be opened. This allows the arena to adapt to the weather and the mood of the audience. The arena hosts several operetta performances during the summer, featuring the works of composers like Lehár, Kálmán, and Zeller. The arena can accommodate up to 800 spectators, and it provides a charming and intimate setting for enjoying the musical shows.

Baden bei Wien, Austria