Spittelberg

Spittelberg lies in Vienna’s seventh district, Neubau, on ground once owned by the city’s Bürgerspital. Originally Weideland used for grazing, it became home to Burgenland Croats in the 17th century, earning the nickname Crobotendörfl. After heavy damage in the Second Turkish Siege of 1683, the area was rebuilt and later absorbed into Vienna in 1850. By the 19th century it had a poor reputation, yet today its narrow lanes and Biedermeier houses show how the district has been carefully restored. The Spittelberg’s annual Christmas market draws visitors from beyond the city. Its high concentration of small restaurants and craft workshops links it to the MuseumsQuartier, forming a lively quarter near the historic centre. The district belongs to Vienna’s World Heritage Site and remains a protected conservation area. Among its former residents were landscape painter Thomas Ender and the imperial hairdresser Franziska Feifalik. Architect Richard Gach also lived here in the 20th century. A walk along the old lanes reveals well-kept façades and hidden cellars from before the Turkish siege. The Christmas market fills the streets with lights and stalls every December. Artisan workshops display handmade goods while cafés offer local dishes. The area’s compact scale makes it easy to explore on foot. Its blend of history and modern creativity keeps the Spittelberg a distinctive part of Vienna.