Michaelerplatz Square

Address: Michaelerplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Michaelerplatz is a central public square in the Innere Stadt district of Vienna, Austria located at the front of the Hofburg palace complex and adjacent to St. Michael’s Church. It occupies a key position in Vienna’s historic centre and connects major historic buildings.

The square is framed by the Hofburg’s Michael Wing, St. Michael’s Church and the prominent Looshaus, providing architectural variety from medieval to modernist styles. Embedded archaeological displays in the paving reveal Roman and medieval remains of the ancient settlement of Vindobona, which can be viewed through glass panels at ground level.

The site has been part of Vienna’s urban core since Roman times when the military camp Vindobona occupied the area; later development created the palace forecourt and surrounding streets. Over centuries the square evolved with additions such as the Hofburg wings and newer civic and commercial buildings, reflecting Vienna’s layered urban history.

Positioned in central Vienna immediately in front of the Hofburg palace, the square sits within walking distance of other central landmarks such as Stephansplatz and the Graben, in the heart of the historic Innere Stadt.

• Archaeology view: Glass-covered archaeological displays in the square reveal Roman and medieval layers of Vienna’s history and are viewable at street level year-round.
• Gateway to the Hofburg: The square provides direct access to the Hofburg complex and is a focal pedestrian point for visitors exploring central Vienna’s historic core.

What to See#

• Roman excavations: Archaeological excavations of Roman-era remains are visible through glass-covered sections in the pavement, showing parts of the Roman camp and later medieval layers.
• Surrounding buildings: St. Michael’s Church and the Hofburg’s Michael Wing form the architectural edges of the square, with the Looshaus nearby as an early modernist commercial building.

Michaelerplatz is in Vienna’s Inner City (1st district). It’s a short walk from Stephansplatz and accessible via the U-Bahn: Herrengasse (U3) or Stephansplatz (U1/U3). Many tram lines also serve nearby stops.

• Visit early morning to see the Michaelerkirche and the square without the midday crowds from nearby Hofburg tours.
• Notice the worn metal studs in the pavement where the city's history of horses and carriages has left a map of use.
• The cafés lining the square are historic; sit and watch ceremonial uniforms pass on the way to Hofburg.