Did you know that KG Neulerchenfeld was once nicknamed “the Holy Roman Empire’s largest tavern?” It’s quite a story how this part of Vienna transformed from a planned settlement to a bustling hub of entertainment.
Let’s journey back to around 1700. KG Neulerchenfeld emerged as a planned community. People fleeing the destruction of Ottakring’s St. Lambert area settled here. Until 1703, it was even known as “Unter-Ottakring” or Lower Ottakring. Christoph II Mathaei, a provost from Klosterneuburg Monastery, greatly supported its development. The monastery held dominion over Ottakring.
The area of KG Neulerchenfeld was bordered by the Linienwall to the east. The Ottakring Stream and Flötzersteig defined its southern edge. To the north, the Hernalser Exerzierplatz marked its boundary.
KG Neulerchenfeld differed from Ottakring in its residents. Here, you’d find mostly artisans and small business owners. Ottakring, on the other hand, remained largely rural. The original village center was marked by Friedmanngasse to the north and Grundsteingasse to the south. The Neulerchenfelder Straße was called Mittlere Hauptstraße or Middle Main Street.
By the early 19th century, Obere Gasse and Untere Gasse referred to today’s Gaullachergasse and Grundsteingasse respectively. The Neulerchenfelder Straße was known as Neu-Lerchenfelder Haupt-Gasse or New Lerchenfeld Main Street. KG Neulerchenfeld extended westward to include parts of today’s Brunnengasse and Kirchstetterngasse.
KG Neulerchenfeld quickly gained fame for its numerous inns and taverns. People jokingly called it “the Holy Roman Empire’s largest tavern”. By 1835, its 157 houses contained no fewer than 92 establishments, including two dance halls. Popular spots included “Zum Fassel,” “Zur Bretze,” and “Zum goldenen Luchs.” The plague’s setback in 1713 didn’t last long.
The church “To the Sorrowful Mother of God” became the center of the growing community. It was built between 1732 and 1753. Industrialization brought significant change to KG Neulerchenfeld. It joined Ottakring and other areas with many substandard, overcrowded housing units. The Thaliatheater and Thaliasäle became major attractions in the mid-19th century.
KG Neulerchenfeld’s seal featured two trees in an open field. Above the left tree was a lark. Two larks flew diagonally between the trees. Another version showed one tree with three flying larks. This seal influenced Ottakring’s district coat of arms in 1904.
In 1890, KG Neulerchenfeld became part of Vienna as the 16th district, Ottakring.
Today, KG Neulerchenfeld carries echoes of its lively past. Imagine the sounds of music, laughter, and clinking glasses filling these streets centuries ago. It was a place where people gathered to celebrate life. A place that once was “the Holy Roman Empire’s largest tavern”.