The tower called Narrenturm was built in 1784 and back then it was the first psychiatric hospital in the world. The rotunda offered solitary cells for 139 inmates. It is part of the area that had back then been the general hospital of Vienna, since 1998 it's the campus of the main university. Because its shape resembles the ring cake Viennese often also call it Guglhupf.
Nowadays the tower is home to Vienna's Pathologic-anatomical Museum and has recently been renovated. With its new facade, it has been stripped of some charm. But certain alterations were restored so that the current appearance would return to its original state. One can have a look at human and animal exhibits, a lot of diseases (should get some people to start using condoms each and every time!) and malformations, but also medical devices that make you wonder on what planet they might have been in use.
They have a new exhibition titled "Pathways of Pathogenes" which sheds light on the various causes of a pandemic as well as historical and present-day ways of spreading diseases.
This museum is definitely something one doesn't get the chance to see in every city. Be aware of the limited opening hours - this way the visit is just more exclusive ;)
Spitalgasse 2
Ticket:
€
8
152177605
Find your way with 163 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Gasthaus Käpt'n Otto" in Vienna has been run by a single family for three generations. I love getting a good coffee with some homemade apricot cake here.
by
"Offener Bücherschrank" in Vienna is simple: go there, have a look, take a book if you like, bring back more than you took. Sharing is caring...
by
"Emmerich" is a 'Buschenschank' in Vienna - a small wooden stand in a vineyard where the owners offer their spritzer and small plates. Go enjoy the view!
by
The Summer Stage is like an outpost of several Vienna restaurants in the form of a huge terrace next to the Kanal with all sorts of different cuisines.
by
The Kent family of restaurants is well known in Vienna as vibrant outposts of Turkish culinary delights with their classic array of appetizers, charcoal-grilled skewers, kebab, and many other highlights.
by
The architecture is simple, light, and modern and allows the creative food and drinks to shine. Arguably one of the finest in Liesing, it still boasts very reasonable prices and ventures into the many flavors of Asia.
by
The Lobau is a national park made of meadows and forests that can be reached via subway and yet it's a world of its own. The perfect escape from city life is a walk in the National Park.
by
The noodles just really taste so different if they are hand-made. The decoration of the plates and drinks is lovely and adds to the overall culinary experience.
by
A long-time resident of Vienna, Sohyi Kim bridges Korean cuisine with Viennese traditions reaching an outstanding culinary level.
by
In the trendy 7th district of Vienna the concept store musette (small "muse" in French) stands out with its thought-through selection of products assorted around a topic.
by
163 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 163 Insider Tips