Forgotten corners often hold the most fascinating stories. Margareten, Vienna’s 5th district, is one such place. Margareten wasn’t always its own district. It was once part of Wieden, the 4th district. In 1861, Margareten became independent due to social and economic differences. Later, the southern part of Margareten was given to Favoriten.
Margareten is relatively small. Its total area is just over 2 square kilometers. Over 55,000 people call Margareten home. That makes it a densely populated area.
Once, Margareten was a working-class district. Today, it is more middle class. The cityscape is unique. Apartment buildings stand alongside cafes and restaurants. About 160 new residential buildings have sprung up since 1991 in Margareten.
Real estate in Margareten is in high demand. It is the most affordable district within Vienna’s beltway. The average apartment is around 64 square meters. The population of Margareten is growing. The expansion of the U2 metro line is expected to boost it further.
Margareten does not have big tourist attractions. Its proximity to the city center makes it a convenient place to stay. Back in 2017, over half a million overnight stays were recorded.
In 1850, Vienna expanded to include suburbs within the Linienwall. Margareten then became part of Wieden. Administrators soon realized Wieden was very different from Margareten. So, they split the district and Margareten was born.
Margareten became a hub for laborers. This era saw the rise of socialism. Shelters for the homeless and educational institutions were built. Hospitals for the poor also emerged.
After World War I, Vienna was known as “Red Vienna”. Margareten became an experimental ground for communal living. Large apartment blocks were built for low-income people. One of the first was the Theodor-Körner Hof.
The Gürtel in Margareten became known as the “Ringstraße of the Proletarians”. This era ended with a civil war. Margareten became a battleground. As a laborer district, it was a Social Democrat bastion.
During World War II, Margareten’s railways made it a transportation hub. This led to heavy bombardment and destruction. After the war, Margareten’s population declined. Traffic increased along the Gürtel, making it noisy and unpopular. Buildings needed refurbishment to meet modern standards.
Margareten saw an influx of foreigners, mainly from Turkey and Yugoslavia. The social status of Margareten declined until the 1990s. Since then, revitalization projects have helped the district. Its central location makes it a reasonably priced area.
Sightseeing in Margareten includes the Baroque church of St. Joseph. Franz Schubert’s body rested here temporarily. Socialist architecture can be seen around the Gürtel area. The district museum tells the history of Margareten over three centuries. Kettenbrückengasse is a popular spot for young people with bars and cafes.
Margareten came from six suburbs. Margareten, Matzleinsdorf, Hundsturm, Laurenzergrund, Nikolsdorf and Reinprechtsdorf. During the 19th century Margareten became a residential area for the lower middle class. It was increasingly settled by blue collar workers. Council houses were built along the Gürtel ring-road.
During World War II the 5th district was heavily bombed. In the period of reconstruction council housing became increasingly important in Margareten.
So, as you explore Margareten, remember its journey. From a working-class district to a revitalized urban area. It is a district with a unique history. A history etched into its buildings and streets.