Postsparkasse (Austrian Postal Savings Bank), Vienna

The Postsparkasse building in Vienna, built by Otto Wagner in 1903, revolutionized architecture in Vienna. An early example of a building done with a steel grid system, and then reinforced with concrete, this type of construction is now done the world over, and is considered pretty much standard fair; however, in the early 1900s, the secessionist design and choice of materials were 鈥� and still are 鈥� considered a marvel to behold. You need only compare it with the nearby structures, especially the pompous ministry building at the other end of the park, to feel what a revolution this must have been.

The building's clear lines and cool elegance, achieved by the usage of steel, concrete and glass, give it a solid and impenetrable look. The skylight in the main hall nevertheless allows for natural light to reach the interior of the building, making it light and airy at the same time.

On weekdays, you can explore the back section of the building which houses a museum (entrance is free) dedicated to Otto Wagner and his building, along with various temporary exhibitions on design. There's a good documentary (in German only) about Wagner's life and work, detailing how he designed everything in the Postsparkasse 鈥� even down to the chairs and tables used. And it's all there to see, along with plans. Well worth a visit.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Vienna. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Postsparkasse (Austrian Postal Savings Bank)
Sight Location: Vienna, Austria (See walking tours in Vienna)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Vienna's Art Nouveau Architecture Tour I

Walking Tours in Vienna, Austria

Create Your Own Walk in Vienna

Creating your own self-guided walk in Vienna is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Mozart Walking Tour

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart spent a significant portion of his life in Vienna. Here, he achieved recognition, and the city holds enormous historical and cultural significance for his legacy. Mozart first visited Vienna as a child prodigy in 1762, and in 1781 came here to stay.

The city met the composer with a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere brought about by some of the top musicians and artists... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Vienna's Art Nouveau Architecture Tour I

Among the plethora of other things, the capital of Austria, Vienna, is renowned for its contribution to Art Nouveau 鈥� the popular art movement emerged and flourished at the turn of the 20th century. Stemming from it the Viennese Secession movement, also known as the Austrian Art Nouveau, or Jugendstil (in German), gave rise to a number of architectural marvels.

By far the most colorful of... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Vienna's Art Nouveau Architecture Tour II

Characterized by ornamental and organic designs, flowing lines, and harmonious integration of various artistic elements, Vienna's Art Nouveau architecture was aimed at breaking away from historical styles and embracing a more modern, decorative approach. The city's architects of that era sought to create an absolute work of art (Gesamtkunstwerk), where all aspects of a building's... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Old Town Chocolate Stores

Vienna is famous for its love for sweet indulgence. And when it comes to chocolate, it stands tall among other locally-made mouth-watering confections.

Vienna's chocolate scene is deeply rooted in a rich culinary tradition. It has been sustained by several historic chocolate houses, located in the Old Town, that have been serving decadent treats for generations.

Landmark... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles

Vienna Old Town Walking Tour

Encircled by the grand Ringstrasse, otherwise known as the Ring, the historic Old Town of Vienna (Innere Stadt) is a designated World Heritage Site.

At the heart of it all lies Saint Stephen's Square (Stephansplatz), a bustling hub surrounded by iconic landmarks and vibrant street life.

Mozarthaus, once home to the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is a delightful stop for... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Klimt Paintings Tour

"I have the gift of neither the spoken nor the written word, especially if I have to say something about myself or my work. Whoever wants to know something about me - as an artist, the only notable thing - ought to look carefully at my pictures" 鈥� Gustav Klimt.

Klimt's name is indelibly linked to Vienna. The renowned symbolist painter was a prominent figure in the city. As a... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles

View all walking tours in Vienna, Austria

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