Bürgerliches Zeughaus, Vienna, Historical armory in Innere Stadt, Vienna, Austria
The Bürgerliches Zeughaus is a baroque-styled building in Vienna's first district that once served as the city's weapons storage facility. Today it houses the central fire station and displays ornate stonework on its facade, including two sculptural figures supporting a gilded globe.
The building was constructed in 1562 on the site of a former Jewish meat market and initially served to store weapons for Vienna's defense. French military forces emptied it of its contents during the Napoleonic Wars in 1809.
The building reflects its journey from weapons storage to modern fire service through its sculptural details and ornate design. The carved figures adorning its exterior speak to Vienna's need for defense and civic protection across centuries.
The building is located at Am Hof 9-10 in Vienna's central district and is easy to reach on foot in a well-connected area. Since it functions as an active fire station, visitors can view the exterior and admire the architecture, but should understand that interior areas are not open to the public.
The facade was redesigned in 1731 and features sculptures carrying a golden globe marked with intertwined 'C' letters, a symbol honoring Emperor Charles VI. This ornate decoration links the building's original military purpose with imperial authority and showcases baroque craftsmanship.
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