Hetztheater, Historical theatre in Landstrasse district, Vienna, Austria.
The Hetztheater was a large wooden structure built in a circular design with three tiers, designed to hold around 3,000 spectators. It served as the venue for animal fighting events and public spectacles.
French entrepreneur Carl Defraine established the theater in 1755 and operated it until its destruction in 1796. A fire ended both the building and an era of public animal entertainment in Vienna.
The term 'Hetz' remains part of Viennese dialect today, still meaning fun or amusement. It reflects how the city's entertainment traditions have evolved over generations.
The former site is marked today by Hetzgasse street in Vienna's third district, which guides visitors to the historical location. The area is easily accessible on foot and the street name still preserves the memory of the former theater.
The site was never rebuilt after the fire, making it a symbolic place where a controversial form of entertainment came to an end. This decision shaped Vienna's transformation into a modern European city.
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