In late 1857 the Austrian emperor declared that he would tear down the outdated medieval city walls to make way for a modern boulevard on the green line around the old city center. The ring¬-shaped boulevard was to symbolize the wealth and power of Vienna and its readiness for modern times, enabling the city to compete with the famous reconstructions that had made 19th century Paris and Berlin famous for grand avenues and sweeping vistas. This 3-hour walk takes you along the famous Ringstrasse boulevard as your historian guide gives you an in¬-depth introduction to the political and philosophical motivations behind the project. In addition, you’ll learn about the social and geographical impact it had on the city in the years to come. Begin your tour in front of the impressive City Hall, one of the landmarks along the Ring and a popular meeting point. When the project was introduced, it was proclaimed that a large number of public buildings would be placed along the Ringstrasse. Discover why certain styles where chosen for certain buildings. You’ll also become familiar with the most influential architects of the Ringstrasse buildings. A boulevard functions as a kind of public catwalk and The Ring was most definitely the place of places in Vienna to see, be seen, and meet with people from the moment of its completion. Several cafés and restaurants were established along this important boulevard. At the end of the tour you’ll visit Café Schwarzenberg, first opened in 1861, where you’ll get an insight into the thriving Vienna café culture of the latter half of the 19th century.