Michaelerplatz

Beginning in the 1st century AD, the Michaelerplatz acted as an intersection between three streets: the Limes road running along the river Danube, a trade route leading to modern St. Pölten, and a feeder road that led to the southwestern gate of Vindobona, the Porta Decumana (later known as the Peiler Gate).

To the southwest of the Market, the new medieval city gate (the Witmarkttor) and the original part of the Hofburg palace (the § Swiss Wing) was built.

By this point, the area of the modern Michaelerplatz again was an intersection of several streets (the most important among them being the Witmarkt, later known as Kohlmarkt) as well as the northwestern entrance to the Hofburg grounds.

This intersection was framed by St. Michael's Church and its cemetery, by the Altes Burgtheater and the palace gardens, as well as by several burgher houses.

[4][5] The modern Michaelerplatz was created in the 18th century, when architect Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach submitted plans for a new baroque façade of the Hofburg facing the inner city, built on the grounds of the palace gardens.

[6] Fischer von Erlach's plans for the Michaelerplatz were realized in the late 19th century, during the construction of the Vienna Ring Road: the Altes Burgtheater and several houses on the western part of the square were demolished, and the baroque Michaelertrakt was finished, including a fully realized Michaelertor.

Michaelerplatz facing southwest toward the Hofburg's Michaelertrakt as planned by Fischer von Erlach the Younger
The Michaelerplatz (facing southwest) in its 18th- to 19th-century state, before the Altes Burgtheater (seen here in the center) was torn down and the Michaelertrakt finished
The Michaelerplatz facing east towards St. Michael's Church , with the Großes and Kleines Michaelerhaus to the left and right of the church, respectively. The Looshaus can be seen on the far left.