Stephansplatz
The literal center of Vienna
The Stephansplatz is a square at the geographical center of Vienna. The square is constantly buzzing with activities during the day and at night. In the summer, it is common to see magnificent street performers. Stephansplatz is a wonderful place to sit at a cafe and people watch.
Stephansplatz Vienna was named after its most prominent building, the Stephansdom, which is Vienna’s cathedral and one of the tallest churches in the world! Opposite the Stephansdom is the Haas-Haus, a striking piece of architecture designed by Hans Hollein.
The modernity of the Haas-Haus was controversial, since some were skeptical about the combination of the mediaeval cathedral with a modern glass and steel building.
Now, this the combination of the two unique buildings stands as an example of how old and new architecture are able to mix harmoniously. To the west and south of these buildings are shopping streets called Graben and Kartner Strasse.
