The Austrian capital of culture is known for its magnificent architecture, chic coffee houses and impressive sightseeing. Vienna is rarely associated with attributes such as "dark, hidden and mysterious". But the Viennese underworld describes exactly these creepy characteristics. We set out to shed some light on the secret, damp and dirty side of the world's most liveable city and reveal how you can still gain access to this somewhat different world today.
A city beneath the city - a forgotten "parallel world"
Did you know that there is a whole other world hidden beneath Vienna's beautiful city center? The 1st district of Vienna is completely underground. Only a few people know about the dark places and tunnels of the underworld. The hidden passages lead to old Air-raid shelters, bunkers, catacombs and many other mysterious places. Some of the cellars are up to 15 meters underground and sometimes extend over 4-5 floors.
In the past, some cellars were connected to each other and served as Escape routes during air raids. One way to get there is via the well-known traditional costume store "Loden Plankl" right in the city center. Via a door in the storeroom, you descend into the eerie underworld. The cellar is adjacent to the well-known "Michael's Crypt"which belongs to the 800-year-old St. Michael's Church.
Life underground - the "social dregs"
In the 19th century, social differences were extremely large. Between the rich Upper middle class and nobility there were many people living on the margins of society. This "social sediment" had literally been deposited at the bottom of the city center, namely in the sewers. Where else would you go if you had no fixed abode?
While above the city floor the upper class indulged in a respectable and easy life, attending balls and indulging in the arts, below the pavement it was often the sheer need. Homeless people, beggars and other impoverished people lived from hand to mouth. Some found shelter in homeless shelters or sought out empty buildings, unattended facilities or hiding places. But one considerable share disappeared into the deep underground.
Even today, hidden places under the city can become a refuge. On Vienna's most popular shopping street, Mariahilfer-Straße, which runs between the 6th and 7th districts, there is a piece of the underworld that offers food and shelter to the homeless. The "Crypt" serves as both a day center and an emergency shelter.
Pubs, bars and clubs - a different kind of hospitality in Vienna
Even back then, Vienna had a large number of pubs and taverns to offer. Even during the Turkish wars, the city's defenders stopped off at the underground "Fürsten Esterhazy", where plenty of wine was served. In the "Esterhazykeller"which is particularly popular with tourists, you can still enjoy a glass or two of wine today.
Vienna's cellar taverns all have their own individual ambience, are disreputable or reputable, ordinary or unusual and modern or antique. To this day, a lively gastronomy scene has been preserved in small parts of the underworld: traditional businesses continue to exist and new clubs and trendy bars have been added.
On our culinary experience tour "Hidden wine cellars in Vienna - a tour for connoisseurs" we grant exclusive access to 3 mysterious cellar vaults and taste local wines and regional delicacies. On this somewhat different discovery, you will literally get to the bottom of a long-forgotten world.
Do you want it to be even scarier? Then come with us to the Vienna's underworld - an adventure with the creepy factor.
On this exclusive tour, we take you to a long-forgotten city. We will show you the hidden Vienna - the beautiful and ugly Pages of the Viennese underworld. Curious? Then this way.
The Viennese underworld offers a unique contrast to the well-known chic Vienna. A stroll through this colorful part of the lower city is definitely worthwhile.
Finally, we would like to summarize some exciting facts and figures about Vienna's secret underworld.
Facts and figures about the Viennese underworld:
- Vienna has a very rich cultural heritage like hardly any other city. dense network of underground tunnels, cellars and vaults. The oldest buildings date back to Roman times.
- The "Michaeler Gruft" lies beneath its church of the same name (built from 1219 to 1221). There are around 250 coffins, mummies and numerous bones in the catacombs.
- During the Turkish siege (16th and 17th centuries), weapons, ammunition and food were stored underground. The squares also served as protection for the Viennese population.
- Life underground began with the Construction of the sewer system At the end of the 19th century. Workers and homeless people found shelter there. Today, the canal system has an incredible length of 2,400 kilometers.
- Some cellars served as Dance clubs or restaurants. During the Second World War, they were converted into air raid shelters. A network of escape routes was created by connecting the corridors.
