1.Bezirk / 1st district, Vienna

Well, but back to the park. Central statue as the name of the square evocates is Empress Maria Theresa and her "men of cabinet such as Swieten, Kaunitz, Liechteinstein, Haugwitz"and sitting on horses you can see statues of dukes Duan, Laudon, Traun and Khevenhuller. The whole object is work of sculptor Kabol on request of Emperor Franz Josef I. The statue was revealed in 1887.

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The Anker Uhr - so called because it was paid for by the Anker-Versicherungsgesellschaft (Anker insurance - now Helvetia) is located on Vienna's oldest square - the Hoher Markt. It portrays twelve historical characters - ranging from Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor when Vindobona (Vienna) was first a Roman settlement, through to Joseph Haydn. The clock strikes every quarter of an hour with a special "display" on the striking of the hours. It is a very popular attraction with tourists and worth timing your visit to see it strike the hour.

One of the squares I enjoyed more in Vienna, full of elegant buildings and, at the centre a fountain.
The person who paid Mr. Donnel to make the fountain was a cheap payer, so the artist had its revenge pointing one of the statue' ass on his windows(enlarge the picture to see it)

The Karlskirche (Charles Church) is located very close to the subway stop called "Karlsplatz", along the subway line U1. The church is absolutely amazing, but more from the outside than from the inside. It's really worth just to go to the big square in front of the church--there's a big round fountain in front of it--and jus sit there and admire the architecure from the outside. Especially nice is the reflection of the church in the fountain in front--really a great place to sit and reflect, literally! The most amazing aspect of the church exterior are the two massive columns, built as a replica of the Trajan's column in Rome.

The church was finished in 1730 and was built after the emperor, Charles VI, had made a promise he made that he would build the church if the Black Plague would leave the city.

Important tip: If you go inside, don't expect too much! Otherwise, you'll be disappointed--as the exterior of the church is much more ornate than the interior!

Opening hours:
Monday - Saturday: 09:00 - 12:30, 13:00-18:00.
Sunday and holidays: 12:00 - 17:45.
Last entrance possible at 17:30.

One important tip:

As you head to Rathaus - City Hall you can go two ways. There is a nearby park right next to the Parliament and mostly tourists walk down the street directly to see Rathaus. But better is to walk through park, you should see Rathaus through green leaves and it is really worth to see :)

This is really one of my favourite in Vienna. There is a baroque garden (or park) situated between two identical buildings. Boths are museums, on your right side (if you are coming from the direction of Hofburg) there is Museum of history and nature with great collections of historic animal species, rocks etc etc. and on your left side there is a Museum of Art. It is must see :) but take good shoes because your feet will strike after so long walk there. You can send there hours and hours.

Across from St. Stephan's cathedral, on the corner of the Graben and Stephansplatz, stands the Haas House. This shiny chrome and glass building is very interesting among the complete different style of other buildings around

The Rathaus, or Town Hall, is a building built in neo-gothic style designed by Friedrich von Schmidt. You will notice it even from the distance, because of its high tower (98 metres)... you may even mistake it as a church, if yu are not careful.

You will also find the city library and archives, there - as well as the assembly hall. As you approach it you will see some statues on both sides - they represent the important people who have had an important role in the city. In the courtyard there are occasionally summer concerts.

It is possibe to tour the city hall and see, among others, the Assembly Hall, two Heraldic Rooms, the City Senate Chamber and the Mayor's reception room. If you are into art-nouveau, do not miss the massive chandelier: 3.2 tons lit by 260 lamps.