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 162 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Famous for its superb ham, Viennese manufacturer Thum has opened a flagship store that boasts simple and hearty street food in the typical Viennese style.
by
"The Docks at Alte Donau" in Vienna are perfect for swimming in the middle of the city! Or walking around if the weather is chilly.
by
"Venster 99" in Vienna is a famous club/bar that's famous in the city's underground scene for its punk and hardcore events. Even I didn't know about it!
by
"Schallter Audio & Records" in Vienna is a very organized music store where I bought my first record here. They even sell spare parts for record players...
by
Have you ever tried cig köfte? "CigköfteM" in Vienna makes it perfect. Awesome for vegans, a must-try.
by
"Klangfarbe" in Vienna is a music shop in a renovated gas tank - it just also happens to be the city's biggest music store...
by
"Amerlinghaus" in Vienna is where I have rehearsals with my theater group! It's a cultural association, with many events open to the public!
by
"Hacienda Ephemer" in Vienna is my all-time favorite, go-to neighborhood hang-out spot. They have Tex-Mex fare but also my favorite Zwickl...
by
"Naturkost Liola" in Vienna sells products from local farmers & follows a zero-waste principle. In summer, they also have the cutest little wooden terrace!
by
"Bao Bar" in Vienna makes excellent... you guessed it, bao buns, but actually, the reason I come here is the absolutely perfect sweet potato fries...
by
"La Romana" quietly serves the best ice cream in Vienna, hands down. My all-time favorite is their pistachio...
by
162 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 162 Insider Tips