Austria Vienna Wien Square

Michaelerplatz

About

Michaelerplatz is a historically rich square in Vienna’s Inner City, serving as a gateway to the Hofburg Palace and a crossroads of centuries. Once part of the Roman settlement of Vindobona, the square reveals its ancient roots through visible excavations of Roman houses. Dominated by the Baroque Michaelertrakt of the Hofburg, the square also features the Looshaus, a pioneering example of Viennese Modernism that sparked controversy upon its completion in 1910. St. Michael’s Church, dating back to the 13th century, anchors the square with its Romanesque and Gothic elements. Nearby, the Großes Michaelerhaus and Kleines Michaelerhaus add layers of residential and cultural history, including ties to composer Joseph Haydn and poet Pietro Metastasio. Michaelerplatz has long been a focal point of urban life, from medieval markets to imperial ceremonies, and today it remains a vibrant space for visitors, blending architectural grandeur with archaeological depth in the heart of Vienna.

Vienna Austria

Location

Michaelerplatz is a historic and vibrant square located in the heart of Vienna’s Innere Stadt, serving as a grand entrance to the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence of the Habsburgs. The square’s rich history dates back to Roman times, with archaeological excavations revealing remnants of Vindobona, the ancient Roman military camp that once stood here. Dominated by the baroque Michaelertrakt wing of the Hofburg and the monumental Michaelertor gate, Michaelerplatz also features the striking St. Michael’s Church, one of Vienna’s oldest churches, blending Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Opposite the Hofburg stands the Looshaus, a landmark of Viennese modernist architecture designed by Adolf Loos. The square’s center showcases visible Roman ruins beneath glass, offering a tangible link to Vienna’s ancient past. Michaelerplatz is surrounded by elegant cafés and is close to the upscale Kohlmarkt shopping street, leading towards St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Nearby attractions include the Spanish Riding School, the Sisi Museum, and the bustling city center, making Michaelerplatz a key cultural and historical hub in Vienna.