| Volksgarten was opened in 1820 in the area where the Burgbastei (the Castle Bastion) once stood. Until the 19th Century, this area of Vienna was made up mainly of fortifications. However, Napoleon’s army destroyed the Burgbastei and carried off the pieces. Volksgarten was originally meant as a private park of the archedukes, but was later opened to the public. Volksgarten lies on the Ringstrasse, between the Hofburg and the Burgtheather . It is a geometrically designed park with a rose garden and comfortable benches. In its center one can find the Theseustemple, a greek-style temple modeled after the Athenian Theseions. A bit off-center one finds the beautiful and somewhat secluded Secessionistic Statue of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). The Volksgarten Café, on the other side of the park, has a very retrofeel, and with its lush greenery and quirky design, is an ideal place to catch your breath, have a drink and relax on a hot summer’s day.
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