Last issue, I highlighted the marvels of Istanbul, seat of the great Ottoman Empire, which, at its height, was one of the largest empires the world had ever seen. Yet, even at this pinnaclet, the Turks were not the only power in the world – they were not even the only power in their immediate vicinity. The Holy Roman Empire and later the Austrian Empire were the Ottomans’ bitterest rivals and for five centuries, they fought the Ottomans tooth and nail, for dominance of the Balkans and Hungary on the Eastern fringe of the Ottoman Empire. Throughout Austria’s long, glorious history, Vienna served as its capital and thus became the premier cultural, economic, and scientific hub of central Europe. Under the guidance of the Habsburgs, one of the most powerful and prestigious royal families, the Austrian Empire increased in power and wealth, and as it did, so too did Vienna.
Today, Vienna is still considered one of the greatest cities in the world. It consistently tops quality of life city rankings from many different publications. It is the number one site for international conventions and congresses and is a shining exemplar of urban planning concepts successfully realized. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is a tourist magnet. Much of this is owed to Vienna’s grand, illustrious past and its beckoning future. There are many things for an engineer to see in Vienna as it has seen so many cultural, scientific, and technological changes over its long lifespan. Some interesting features to check out include:
St. Rupert’s Church
The oldest church in Vienna, St. Rupert’s Church has stood for over a millennium, dating back to 740. St. Rupert’s is a small, humble church compared to many of the more extravagant churches seen throughout Europe. However, it still covers an area of three hundred fifty square metres. It is a prime example of Romanesque architecture which was the primary style during the early medieval era. Romanesque architecture is primarily identified by its use of semi-circular arches, but also known for their enormous walls and elegant simplicity especially in comparison to the grandiosity of the gothic style that succeeded it. The church also features the oldest bells and stained glass window panes in Vienna.
St. Charles’ Church
In stark contrast to St. Rupert’s Church, St. Charles’s Church is a standard of the Baroque style of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and is characterized by its enormous size, and awe-inspiring, overwhelming complexity, and decoration. Completed in 1737, the church covers an absolutely enormous 2200 square metres. The millennium difference between St. Rupert’s Church and St. Charles’s Church allowed for massive advances in technology, allowing for larger, more elaborate buildings, as well as more intricate styling. Engineers can appreciate the little advances and techniques used to make such large, breathtaking, majestic buildings.
Karlsplatz Stadtbahn Station
For those more interested in modern engineering feats, there is the Stadtbahn which is Vienna’s light rail mass rapid transit system. Light Rail really took off in Germany and Austria in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but fell out of favour during the ‘80s due to cost. However, the light rail from the past is still in use today. Built in 1899 and converted to Statdbahn in 1961, Karlsplatz station used to be part of the Stadtbahn network, but no longer. It is a great example of functionality and elegance successfully fused. This is best represented by the exterior, which consists of marble built on a steel framework. The buildings today house a café and exhibition space for the Vienna Museum.
The Heeresgeschichtliches Museum
This museum, which I won’t even try to spell again, is a military history museum. In fact, it claims to be the oldest one in the world. The military is one of the places where engineers find employment and, in both war and peace, military engineers are invaluable to every aspect of defense as well as in logistics, relief, and rescue operations. The current structure housing the collections and exhibits was built in 1856 and the museum mainly covers Austria from the sixteenth century to World War Two. Advancements in technology and warfare have changed the role and nature of engineers over the centuries and this museum is a great place in order to see the changes firsthand.
Vienna is a beautiful city and an old city. It has many tales to tell and many it has yet to experience. This city deserves a place on any travelling engineer’s bucket list.
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