Hotel National, Protected historical building in Leopoldstadt, Vienna, Austria
Hotel National is a protected historical building at the corner of Taborstrasse and Schmelzgasse in Vienna's Leopoldstadt district. The structure features ornate decorative details, sculptural figures, and a sophisticated interior layout with a semicircular courtyard at its center.
Built in 1848 by architects Ludwig Förster and Theophil Hansen, the structure replaced an inn that had occupied the site since 1678. The new building embodied modern 19th-century standards and eventually gained protected heritage status.
The building reflects 19th-century Vienna's prosperity through its ornate facade and sculptural elements that line the front. These details remain visible today, telling the story of how hotels like this one shaped the city's visual identity.
The building sits in a well-connected neighborhood with good public transport access and is within walking distance of other historic sites. The interior is not currently open to visitors, but the exterior architecture is clearly visible from the street.
The hotel originally featured a rooftop garden with an observation terrace that offered guests views across the entire district. This rooftop amenity was a coveted feature for the era and significantly enhanced the property's appeal.
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