Vienna - Am Hof
Am Hof is the largest square in the Vienna city center. The Romans set up camp on this site (remains of buildings may be seen at Am Hof, open: Sat., Sun. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.). The Babenbergs judged this the right place to build their first palace (1135-50), and Walther von der Vogelweide sang the glories of the glittering festivities there: "That is the wondrous court at Vienna" (plaque on wall of Länderbank 2). Emperor Barbarossa stopped off here on the third crusade in 1189, the Habsburg-Yargellon double wedding was celebrated here and the Jesuits performed plays in front of their church at Am Hof.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Later the Ducal Court was replaced by the Mint of the ruling princes.
In 1667 the Corinthian column with the bronze figure of the Virgin treading the serpent underfoot was erected in the middle of the square. Four putti symbolize the Virgin's protection against war, plague, hunger and heresy.
In 1667 the Corinthian column with the bronze figure of the Virgin treading the serpent underfoot was erected in the middle of the square. Four putti symbolize the Virgin's protection against war, plague, hunger and heresy.
Related Attractions
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Fire Brigade and Fire Service Museum
Among the most noteworthy houses around Am Hof is the Märkleinische House, named after its original owner who commissioned it to be built to a design by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. Today it houses the headquarters of the Vienna Fire Brigade and the Fire Service Museum (Feuerwehrmuseum). The development of the Vienna Fire Brigade is brought to life with a display of fire engines, fire-fighting equipment, uniforms, figures, documents and paintings.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 9:00 |
| Close | 12:00 |
Noteworthy Buildings around Am Hof
The former Burghers' Armory (No. 10), built in 1530 and enlarged and extensively rebuilt by Anton Ospel in 1731, is a fine example of Baroque architecture in Vienna. Mattielli's allegorical figures of Strength and Stamina balancing an enormous globe provide the crowning glory of this magnificent facade.
The Baroque Urbani House (No. 12) was designed by pupil of Hildebrandt.
The Palais Collalto (No. 13) was built in 1680; the facade towards Am Hof was redesigned in 1715 and 1725, the facade on the Schulhof re-fashioned in a classical style in 1804. A tablet on this building commemorates the fact that Mozart made his first public appearance here in 1762.
The Baroque Urbani House (No. 12) was designed by pupil of Hildebrandt.
The Palais Collalto (No. 13) was built in 1680; the facade towards Am Hof was redesigned in 1715 and 1725, the facade on the Schulhof re-fashioned in a classical style in 1804. A tablet on this building commemorates the fact that Mozart made his first public appearance here in 1762.
