Josefsplatz

Josefsplatz sits in the heart of Vienna's Inner City and forms part of the Hofburg complex. Named after Emperor Joseph II, the square is enclosed by historic buildings such as the Redoutensaal wing, the Court Library, and the Augustinian wing, while the Palais Pallavicini forms the fourth side. The history of the site goes back to the Middle Ages, when it served as a cemetery for Augustinian monks and later as a riding ground and exercise yard for the imperial court. It was not until the 18th century that the area, through the demolition of walls and the redesign of the facades, became an impressive, three-sided ceremonial courtyard that opens onto the city.

In the center of the square rises an imposing equestrian statue of Emperor Joseph II, modeled on the famous monument of Marcus Aurelius in Rome. Created by Franz Anton Zauner, the bronze statue stands on a polished granite pedestal decorated with reliefs depicting trade and agriculture. The square is also known as a film location, as it was used during the shooting of "The Third Man" in 1948. Today you can experience Josefsplatz as a quiet, architecturally significant courtyard of the Hofburg, offering an impressive glimpse into Vienna's imperial history.