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Originally produced in: Österreich
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2. The City’s Expansion

Vienna’s inner core area – past and present

Source: Hausner, E. Vienna P. 15.
Source: Zeugner, K.

Presentation

In 1857, the Ring Road was constructed on the previously vacant land outside the city walls.

The urban development of Vienna from the Middle Ages to the Present

The urban development of Vienna from the Middle Ages to the Present Click image to enlarge
Source: Hölzel Atlas.

Presentation

The map shows the urban development of Vienna and when exactly the former suburbs were integrated into Vienna’s metropolitan area. The individual stages of the city’s expansion are shown in the map’s legend.

Questions

  1. Which famous Ring Road buildings that were built in 1857 can you see in Fig. 2?
  2. Which direction did Vienna expand in up to the year 1905? (see Fig. 3)
  3. Name the districts that were included in the city’s expansion in the years leading up to 1892. (see Fig. 3)
  4. In what years did Vienna undergo its most significant expansion in terms of area? (see Fig. 3)

Display teacher's view to find the answers.

Description and Analysis

The Ring Road was constructed in place of the glacis. On both sides of the road, many magnificent neo-classical buildings were erected.

Three phases of administrative expansion allowed for the city’s population growth. In 1850, the first expansion saw 34 suburbs and villages inside the Linienwall incorporated into the city. The second phase of expansion occurred in 1890 when southern and western suburbs became part of the city. With future hopes of a population of 4 million inhabitants, 1904 saw the third phase of expansion into unpopulated areas east of the Danube and beyond.

The sudden increase in population meant that in 1908 the two million mark was clearly surpassed for the first time ever.

Answers to the Questions

  1. University, Town Hall, Hofburg, Burgtheater (Imperial Court Theatre), Museum of Fine Arts, Natural History Museum, Parliament, State Opera.
  2. To the west, south and east.
  3. Brigittenau, Leopoldstadt, partly Favoriten.
  4. From 1892 to 1918.