Medieval Vienna. The mysteries of the ancient city.
I think you will agree with me that every trip to the cities of Europe is a journey into the world of the past. And how far into the past centuries each of us can get depends only on the city we are about to immerse ourselves in.
The Middle Ages are not the most exciting time for everyone; indeed, they were a scary, I would even say horrible, time. Dynasties changed - often as a result of cunning deceit and bloody coups, wars lasted for decades, epidemics of terrible diseases destroyed entire countries, and we could not forget "witch hunts", when a lot of women were burnt just because they were too beautiful and too smart for their time. For many people, the Middle Ages were centuries when Europe was dying of epidemics and wars, and nothing positive was taking place in the world.
But it is the time of Vienna's majesty that suddenly captivates you and arouses your interest. The time, when the history of this imperial city was just about to begin.
"Vienna's Bermuda Triangle"
The triangle is bordered by Rabensteig, Judengasse and Seitenstegasse. It has an incredible number of restaurants and bars, many with a unique history. The area is downright lively and gets its name because it is easy to get lost in the whirl of cafés and restaurants - at least that is what Viennese are convinced of, and they are, after all, the ones to whom you can trust in this matter.
The place got its name in the 1970s, when a few Austrians decided to start a business in the deserted streets. It wasn't long before creative people started coming here. The area became known as the "Bermuda Triangle" because of the increasing number of visitors and the late-night revelry and drinking that took place there. But, unlike the ships, people don't pass into nothing.
From Rottenturmstrasse turn right, walk past Café Bermuda Bräu and then turn left towards Seitenstegasse.
On the left you can see the Jewish community and the old synagogue. It can only be visited in the daytime; in the early morning hours it is still closed.
Turn right onto Judengasse, which leads to Vienna's oldest church, the Ruprechtskirche. It is dedicated to St Ruprecht of Salzburg, the patron saint of salt merchants. The church was built in the years between 796 and 829. The legend says that the church was founded by Ruprecht's comrades when he was bishop of Salzburg. The first mention of the Ruprechtskirche dates back to the beginning of the 13th century. It was the centre of the city, and all important and significant religious ceremonies were held there until St Stephen's Cathedral appeared.
In the 13th century the church was badly damaged by a fire and was partially rebuilt. The Ruprechtskirche has the oldest window panes in the city (late 14th century) and bells (late 13th century). The "Bermuda Triangle" of Vienna ends here.
Hohermarkt - 'High Market'
If you go back a little further along Judengasse from the Ruprechtskirche, you'll come to the Hohermarkt.
This was once the centre of the Roman camp of Vindobona (around 1st century A.D.). At No 3 house the excavations of ancient Roman ruins can be seen. It used to be the square where the guilty were judged and executed. By the beginning of World War II, the richest and most opulent mansions were on the Hoermarkt. By 1945, almost nothing remained of the square, the mansions had fallen off the edge of the earth
On the left, at the height of the first floor, between the two buildings, is a beautiful anchor clock - the Ankerur. A passageway was created especially for it, and the mechanism was swept into it. The author of the clock was the artist and sculptor F. Matsch, who created it in the early 20th century for the Anker Insurance Company, which means "anchor". The clock is therefore called Anchor or Anker - both names are correct.
The most exciting thing is to be here by noon; at exactly 12 noon, they put on a real show that lasts 15 minutes. During this time, the entire history of Austria will pass before your eyes in miniature. Twelve figures float around the clock, representing some of the most important figures in history: Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Emperor Charlemagne, the founder of the Austrian state, Duke Leopold VI and his wife Theodora of Byzantium, Walter von der Vogelweide, King Rudolf I and his wife Anna, Hans Puxbaum, the architect of Austria's main cathedral, Emperor Maximilian I, Burgomaster A. von Liebenberg, Count Rüdiger von Starchuemberg, Prince Eugene of Savoy, Maria Theresia and her husband Franz I of Lorraine, the composer Joseph Haydn. This parade is accompanied by the melodious music of the era.
Schönlaterngass
The street got its current name at the end of the 18th century and translates as "Beautiful Lantern Lane". There is of course also a beautiful lantern itself, in house number 6 (although there is only a copy of the lantern hanging in the street, the original is in the City Museum of Vienna).
There's another landmark here - the House of the Basilisk. The story goes back to the 13th century. A well that had been near the house for centuries suddenly began to smell awful. A young man who once descended into the well trembled with horror and with white lips said that a monster resembling a large fowl with the body of a toad had taken up residence there. The wise healer deduced from the description that the ancient serpent Basilisk was living in the well, turning anyone who dared look at it into stone. The owner of the house, a local baker, then promised a generous reward to anyone who would rid him of the terrifying beast's company. The baker's apprentice, long in love with his beautiful daughter, volunteered to save everyone from the monster, and as a reward asked for her hand. The promise was given, and the brave apprentice hurried off to save the city. The young man took only a mirror with him, and that was enough to win - Basilisk looked at his own reflection and petrified! The baker kept his word and the wedding was celebrated.
And an image of the Basilisk was placed on the house. His motionless figure can be seen on the facade of building No. 7, which is known as the Basilisk's House. And the Basilisk sits just under the light of the Beautiful Lantern - it's all there!
A little lower on the wall is a picture of the man who saved the area from the beast, and even lower is the text of an old legend. On the same street, at number 9, there's an old forge, marked by a key sign. The Basilisk theme is used in all sorts of variations in nearby restaurants, and the monster is often depicted on the street.
Domgasse 5. Mozart House
There were at least a dozen Mozart flats in Vienna. But only one has survived, on Domgasse, where Mozart lived from 1784 to 1787.
It's on the first floor of Number 5 house and has four rooms, two offices and a kitchen. Not only was Mozart a talented composer, whose hand was said to be moved by God himself, but he also had a weakness for luxury: his attire, flats and harpsichords were all impressive in terms of elegance, style and beauty. He lived in Domgasse most of the time and, in all likelihood, those were the happiest years of the composer's life. It was here that Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) and a host of other world-famous works were composed. The second name of the house is Figaro House. Today, apart from Mozart's flat on the first floor, the composer's museum takes up three exhibition floors. Many legends and mysteries of his life become clear after viewing the exposition. Except, of course, the biggest mystery of all - the mystery of his death.
Useful tips for the tourist
Many of Vienna's sights are easy to find without a map. These houses always have a special marking on them, which makes life easier for the tourist. Buildings that are famous for their architecture or history, or for the personalities who lived in them, are marked with commemorative plaques in the form of white marble cartouches, with a double W - the first letter in the word "Vienna" on top and a small text in gold letters. Crowning the cartouche are ribbons in the colours of the Austrian flag. There's also the Figaro Hotel and the restaurant with the same name next to Mozart's house. Walking along Domgasse, one reaches the crossing with Grünangergasse, where Fürstenberg Palace is located.
In the 16th century there was a church built on the site, and at the beginning of the 18th century the land was bought by the imperial council and it was decided to build a palace here. It passed from hand to hand, changing its appearance at the whim of its new owners. The last reconstruction took place at the end of the 20th century. Part of the building is now used as an art museum, the other part as an office building.
If you come back to Singerstrasse and walk to Stok im Eisenplatz, you can explore the shops on the way, with their myriad of interesting and desirable items.
Come to Vienna, there's a place for everyone to visit and a place to return to.
