A Test of Time: Viennese Architecture in the Modern Era

From chic modern coffee shops to the ancient St. Steven’s Cathedral, Vienna’s buildings echo a rich culture to those who travel to the historic city. The unique blend of the old and the new are apparent to onlookers.

Buildings that are hundreds of years old contrast with hallmarks of our age – modern amenities grafted onto the ancient stone; contrasting and blending to create a visual cacophony to onlookers.

Here stands a historic building, standing in the shadow of both the ancient St. Steven’s Cathedral and a modern shopping outlet. The old and new intersect at this point.

The Bank of Austria and a McDonalds at the base of the building offering modern conveniences. Construction scaffolding and a tarp around the side create a sort of façade – a promise of ancient stone and glass portrayed on a canvas of metal and tarp.

Moving closer, one can get a closer look at the advertisement on the side of St. Steven’s Cathedral. It is an unusual sight – an add for luxury watches eclipsing the beauty of the monolithic structure.

As seen in this building on the bank of the Danube, the contrast of modern life amid the ancient architecture seems common in the city as history and new ideas attempt to co-exist.