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This magnificent building (1873–83) was designed by the architect Theophil von Hansen who chose its Greek style to celebrate the cradle of democracy. Two broad ramps are lined by statues of Greek philosophers and thinkers that lead to the main entrance. Here the first Austrian Republic was proclaimed in October 1918.

The round “Narrenturm” building, the 18th-century psychiatric ward of the former General Hospital, houses a morbid collection of medical horrors. Begun in 1796 to document pathological changes and malformations of humans, the exhibits include human and animal bones as well as body parts preserved in formaldehyde. You will definitely need strong nerves here.

Aristocrat Maximilian von Cavriani had a Baroque palace built here in 1734. The lovely building with an inner courtyard has rooms fitted with modern amenities.

Celebrates the Holy Ghost being sent to unite the world’s peoples 50 days after Easter.

A Baroque church with a monumental high altar and frescoes by Michael Rottmayr.

Austrian dishes in a 300-year-old cellar underneath the monastery.

Walking into the narrow Piaristengasse from Josefstädter Strasse, the charming square on the left comes as a surprise. The Piaristenkirche Maria Treu (Maria Treu Church) here was built from 1719 onwards according to a design by Lukas von Hildebrandt. The dome’s frescoes in vivid colours are by the Austrian Baroque artist Franz Anton Maulbertsch (1752), while the column in front of the church, the Mariensäule, was installed in 1713 to express gratitude that a plague epidemic had come to an end.

This restaurant specializes in beef. The Hietzing branch was the first of several restaurants in town run by the Plachutta family (see p79).

For the ultimate Tafelspitz (see p70) you have to go to Plachutta. Authentic, high-quality Viennese cuisine is served, including premium beef from Austrian farmers. There are several Plachuttas all over Vienna and the quality is excellent in all of them. Make sure you book a table as they all get crowded (see p95).