Volksgarten

The Volksgarten is a publicly accessible park located on the Ringstrasse in Vienna’s 1st district, also known as the Inner City.The park was inaugurated in 1823, marking Vienna’s initial public park.

The Volksgarten is a scenic sanctuary that enthralls its guests with its seamless integration of natural elements, historical significance, and cultural relevance. This thoughtfully designed park features carefully selected greenery, colorful flowers, and peaceful ponds, attracting both residents and visitors to indulge in its serene atmosphere.

Volksgarten is a meticulously landscaped property that spans over 15 acres. It showcases a harmonious fusion of classical and contemporary design elements. As individuals traverse the winding paths, a diverse array of visual and auditory stimuli gradually reveals itself, engrossing the faculties and eliciting a feeling of awe.

The central feature of the park is the captivating Rose Garden, a botanical work of art that showcases a remarkable assemblage of more than 3,000 rose bushes. The park boasts a captivating display of roses, ranging from sophisticated hybrid teas to aromatic old-fashioned varieties. The combination of colors and scents creates an enchanting ambiance, evoking feelings of romance and tranquility. Guests are welcome to take a leisurely walk through the garden, taking time to appreciate the intricate blossoms or to relax on any of the numerous secluded benches situated among the aromatic petals.

As individuals explore deeper into Volksgarten, they will come across the Palm House, an exceptional piece of architecture that accommodates a diverse range of exotic flora. This 19th-century structure made of glass and iron is a remarkable example of the skilled craftsmanship of a previous era. Upon entering, one is greeted by a verdant tropical oasis, featuring majestic palm trees, resplendent orchids, and a diverse collection of botanical specimens sourced from various global regions. The interplay between light and shadows creates an ethereal ambiance that provides visitors with an immersive experience, transporting them to remote jungles and lush rainforests.

Volksgarten features multiple serene gazebos thoughtfully situated throughout the park, providing individuals with an opportunity for contemplation. These enclosed areas offer a refuge for reflection, allowing individuals to retreat from the fast-paced environment of the city and seek comfort in the arms of the natural world. These serene locations are enveloped by lush greenery and the tranquil sound of running water, making them ideal for activities such as reading, meditation, or simply enjoying the natural splendor of the environment.

The Volksgarten holds significant historical importance and should not be disregarded. The park has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, having been the site of numerous significant events and important cultural and political gatherings. The magnificence and sophistication of this place have enticed notable personalities throughout history, ranging from scholars to high-ranking officials. Currently, the park serves as a dynamic center of cultural engagement, facilitating outdoor concerts, art displays, and theatrical productions, invigorating the city’s artistic ethos.

Volksgarten is a remarkable example of the significance of safeguarding and fostering green spaces in urban areas, in addition to its botanical marvels and historical charm. This green sanctuary serves as a refuge for both humans and wildlife, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the overall well-being of the city’s inhabitants in a world where concrete dominates. As park visitors traverse the area, they may come across squirrels traversing the grass, butterflies flitting from one flower to another, or birds chirping from the treetops. These occurrences serve as a reminder of the intricate ecological equilibrium that flourishes within this urban sanctuary.

The Volksgarten is not merely a park, but rather a refuge for the spirit, providing a peaceful respite from the urban commotion. The thoughtfully selected landscapes, flourishing rose gardens, and impressive architectural structures provide a peaceful escape from daily life, encouraging guests to reconnect with the natural world and enjoy moments of tranquility.

Buildings

The neoclassical Theseus Temple, designed by Pietro di Nobile and finished in 1821, is situated at the heart of the park.The miniature version of the Temple of Hephaestus located in Athens was initially intended to serve as a venue for Antonio Canova’s Theseus sculpture. Canova was also engaged in the construction of the temple. The sculpture crafted by Canova was relocated to the Museum of Fine Arts in the year 1890.

The construction of the Cortisches coffee house was undertaken by Peter Nobile during the period of 1820 to 1823. This venue has hosted performances by the Austrian Romantic composers Johann Strauss I and Joseph Lanner.

The Cafè Meierei was constructed in 1890, initially serving as a water reservoir. The structure underwent a conversion in 1924 and was repurposed as the Milchtrinkhalle. The Milchpavillon was constructed in 1951 under the direction of Oswald Haerdtl.

Monuments

The Empress Elizabeth Monument, designed by Hans Bitterlich and Friedrich Ohmann, was erected in 1907 and is located at the northern end of the park.The monument features a central statue of Empress Elisabeth in a seated position, crafted by Hans Bitterlich. The sculpture of the empress is crafted from a single block of Laaser marble weighing 8000 kg and stands at a height of 2.5 meters. On June 4th, 1907, the monument dedication ceremony was held in the esteemed presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.

The Franz Grillparzer Monument, designed by Carl Kundmann and finished in 1875, is situated at the southern end of the park.The artwork depicts the seated posture of the renowned Austrian writer, Franz Grillparzer, who appears to be deep in thought while holding a book in his left hand.

Fountains

The Volksgarten features a pair of fountains. The Triton and Nymph Fountain was constructed in 1880 by Viktor Tilgner.The People’s Garten Fountain was constructed in 1866 under the direction of Anton Dominik Fernkorn.

Rose Garden

The park is renowned for its exquisite rose gardens, which boast more than 3,000 rose bushes comprising approximately 400 distinct cultivars.The rose garden features rose beds that are enclosed by box hedges, housing a majority of the rose plants. The majority of rose varieties are typically situated along the perimeter of the garden. This area is typically located behind a row of chairs and consists of several rows of standard roses, followed by climbing roses. The majority of rose varieties within the rose garden are appropriately labeled, however, the shrub roses dispersed throughout the park lack proper signage.

History

The initial section of the Volksgarten, situated around the Theseus Temple, was inaugurated in 1823. Subsequently, it underwent expansion in 1863 and 1883, ultimately reaching its present-day dimensions.The site is situated on a location where sections of the fortifications of the Hofburg and the city fortifications were formerly situated.Between 1596 and 1597, a curtain wall was constructed on the eastern side of the current park. Additionally, from 1639 to 1659, the Burgschanze, a free-standing bulwark, was erected on the southern side, despite challenging terrain conditions.The aforementioned structure was subjected to demolition in 1809 by the French garrison during their retreat. Subsequently, a significant portion of it was dismantled in 1817.The construction of the Hornwerkskurtine between 1817 and 1821 along the current ring road resulted in the incorporation of the area into the city.The park was initially intended to serve as a private garden for the archdukes. However, Emperor Franz I made the decision to open the park to the public based on the recommendation of the court garden administration at the time.

On May 1, 1823, the Volksgarten was inaugurated as the first publicly accessible park owned by a court.

The concept of the garden was attributed to Ludwig von Remy, while the horticultural design was executed by the court gardener Franz Antoine the Elder.The precisely geometric configuration of the pathways facilitated the monitoring of visitors.

The construction of the Theseus Temple was carried out between 1819 and 1823, as per the design proposed by Peter von Nobile, and it was situated at the center of the complex.In approximately 1860, the curtain wall surrounding the public garden was demolished. Subsequently, Franz Antoine the Younger expanded the garden during the construction of the Ringstrasse in the French Baroque style. In 1864, Moritz Löhr added a fence to the garden.The proposed development of constructing a series of residential properties along Löwelstrasse was declined by Mayor Cajetan Felder.

The Volksgarten, which is a part of the Hofburg, was originally owned by the imperial state and was opened to the public in 1823. This marked the first park in Vienna to be accessible to the public, as per the highest decision. The park has been maintained by the Hofärar, which is the building and latifundia administration of the Austrian crown.

A fountain in the Renaissance style was constructed at the center of the premises.The identity of the designer cannot be ascertained.On July 15, 1865, Joseph Haslauer, a skilled stonemason from Salzburg, was contracted to produce a fountain bowl using a single piece of reddish Untersberg marble.The substructure was handled by Master Anton Wasserburger, while the bronze work was executed by Eduard Kitschelt.

The curtain wall at the former Paradeisgartl was dismantled in 1872, and subsequently, the original grand gate was relocated to Schönbrunn.Between 1883 and 1884, the Volksgarten underwent an expansion on the opposite side, carried out by Franz Antoine the Younger.This section of the complex underwent a redesign by Friedrich Ohmann during the period of 1903 to 1907.The ventilation system of the Burgtheater is connected to the Volksgarten through an underground passage, allowing for air flow.

According to the original urban plan, the Volksgarten was intended to be replaced by the Kaiserforum, which would have accommodated the mirrored wing of the New Hofburg.This method of construction became outdated following the conclusion of the First World War and the subsequent dissolution of Austria-Hungary.Consequently, the present-day Heldenplatz is adorned with splendid monarchical edifices on one end and emblems of bourgeois-republican Austria, namely the Volksgarten and the parliament, on the other.

The Volksgarten was acquired by the Republic of Austria from the court ruler and currently serves as one of the seven federal gardens under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management.Since the year 2000, these have been officially listed ex lege with constitutional status. Additionally, certain sections of the complex have been specially designated by the Federal Monuments Office.Since 2001, the Volksgarten has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Historic Center of Vienna.

Vienna, Austria