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. 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.