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Michaelertrakt of the Hofburg

Michaelertrakt of the Hofburg

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The Michaelertrakt of the Hofburg: A monumental gateway to the imperial world

The Michaelertrakt is one of the most impressive areas of the Vienna HofburgWith its striking Michaelerkuppel (Michael's Dome), the magnificent facades and the historic Michaelertor (Michael's Gate), it forms the prestigious entrance to the former imperial residence – and is also a central point of contact for many visitors to Vienna. Here begins the path to Sisi Museum & the Imperial Apartments, to Spanish Riding School and to the Silver Chamber.

Short info:

What is the Michaelertrakt? The Michaelertrakt is a representative part of the Vienna Hofburg and serves as a connection between the outer Michaelerplatz and the inner courtyard.
Where is he? Michaelerplatz, 1010 Vienna – directly at the entrance to Hofburg.
What's inside? Access to Sisi Museum & the Imperial Apartments, to Spanish Riding School and the Silver Collection. You'll also find the Stallburg Passage here.
What is the Michaelertor? The Michaelertor is the large, central round-arched gate of the Michaelertrakt – a main entrance to the Hofburg.
What is the Michaeler Dome? The Michaelerkuppel is the widely visible green dome above the wing and an architectural landmark of the Hofburg.
How do you get to the Michaelertrakt? U3 to Herrengasse or Stephansplatz, then a few minutes walk.
How much time should you plan for a visit? If you just look at the wing from the outside, you'll be through in a few minutes. You should plan several hours for the museums beyond.
Is the area barrier-free? Yes, access to the inner courtyard and the museums is barrier-free.

Architecture and history of the Michaelertrakt

The Michaelertrakt was built during the baroque reconstruction of the Hofburg and today forms the magnificent north façade facing Michaelerplatz. The design is based on Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach The construction work, however, dragged on until the late 19th century. The result is a monumental building with four mighty round arches, a richly decorated façade and the imposing Michaeler Dome, which rises over 50 meters high.

The baroque sculptures around the Michaelertor, such as the allegorical representations of war and peace, give a foretaste of the magnificent world of the Habsburgs right at the entrance.

Michaelerplatz as a starting point

Directly in front of the wing is the Michaelerplatz, which is architecturally lined by several significant buildings: the Looshaus, St. Michael's Church, and Palais Herberstein. Beneath the square are the exposed remains of a Roman house and medieval foundations, which are visible to the public.

Access to the most important museums and institutions of the Hofburg

From the Michaelertrakt you can reach some of Vienna’s most important sights directly:

Sisi Museum with personal belongings of Empress Elisabeth
Imperial Apartments, which are furnished true to the original
Spanish Riding School, the world-famous institution for classical equestrian art
Silver Chamber with imperial silverware and porcelain
as well as Stallburg Passagewhich leads to the Winter Riding School

The Michaelertrakt is not only an architectural highlight, but also a central access point to the world of the Habsburgs.