University District, Vienna

From Karlsplatz, one can hop on the U2 toward Aasperstrassegasse for three stops to the Universität/Schottentor station. Alternatively, it can make for a nice walk from the Innenstadt. The 9^th district borders part of the west side of the Innenstadt. At the Universität station, you immediately find yourself among heaps of students, beggars and businessmen. It’s a bustling stop at all hours of the day. 

Finding your way through the crowds and onto the intersection, you find yourself on or near the front steps of the Universität Wien’s Most Historic building, the Hauptgebaeude which stands as the university’s library. Inside you will find historical artifacts such as paintings, old books and other important objects of the university that date back further than anything you could find in all of the US.

The sculpture work on the building, like most all Viennese architecture, is exquisite. The main pedimented colonnade depicts a Romanesque scene. Travelers Tip:  Take a moment to sit on the stairs leading up to the main entrance. This is a great place to people watch and have a delicious Kebab from one of the many stands just across the street.

Another nice place to visit just to have a look is the Josephinum. Once summer comes around the whole front of the building will be blossoming with leaves and flowers from the vines that have crept up the façade.  This building, which acts as a medicine academy, was built in 1783.