In 1857, Emperor Franz Joseph
decreed the demolition of Vienna's medieval fortifications. The idea of a
'Boulevard of Splendor' was born. The ‘Ring’, as the Viennese call it, became the imperial
city's greatest pride and building project, a work of art initself,
and unique in Europe. Today it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It
is flanked by magnificent public buildings erected alongside the mansions of
Vienna’s rising industrial and financial bourgeoisie, gardens
and prancing monuments. We tell stories about the architects and their clients,
anecdotes, and show historic photos. |