Van-Swieten-Hof, Vienna Travel Guide

The Van-Swieten-Hof, situated at Rotenturmstraße 19 in Vienna's 1st district (Innere Stadt), is a historical landmark that encapsulates the city's layered past. Erected in 1896, the building stands on a site with a history stretching back to the 14th century, reflecting Vienna's continuous evolution and urban development.Originally, the location was occupied by several houses, including the Waaghaus (weighing house), first documented in 1345. This building served as a crucial point for monitoring exports. Over the centuries, the properties changed hands and underwent numerous transformations. In 1835, industrialist and art collector Rudolf Arthaber acquired two of the houses, demolishing them in 1840 to construct a new building. This structure was later acquired in 1860 by the 'Widows Society of the Viennese Medical Faculty,' later known as the 'Widows and Orphans Society of the Viennese Medical Doctors College'.In 1896, the society decided to replace these older buildings with the Van-Swieten-Hof, designed by Julius Deininger of the construction firm Kupka & Orglmeister. The new building was conceived as a classical-style foundation building with a grand, urban facade and a clear layout. The medical college named the building after Gerhard van Swieten, the renowned personal physician of Empress Maria Theresa, honoring his contributions to medicine and public health. During the construction, an intriguing discovery was made: a 62-centimeter high and 40-centimeter wide sandstone pine cone, adorned with acanthus leaves, likely once part of a larger building's gable.Today, the Van-Swieten-Hof primarily serves as a residential building, housing apartments and commercial spaces. While it is not a museum or open to public tours, its exterior remains a striking feature of Rotenturmstraße. Visitors can admire its classical facade and appreciate its historical context as they explore the Innere Stadt. The building is strategically located near other major attractions, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the Graben, making it an easily accessible point of interest for tourists.