Rotunde

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The Rotunde in Vienna was a building erected for the World Fair 1873. The building was a partially covered circular steelconstruction with 84 m (approx. 275 ft) in height and 108 m (approx. 354 ft) in diameter. Planned by Austrian architect Karl Freiherr von Hasenauer, built by the german company Johann Caspar Harkort of Duisburg. Its Portals were rich decorated.

Heavily disputed under professionals, the central building of the Worldfair was accepted enthusiastically by the public. It was used for shows and fairs lateron. Even Alexander Girardi sang a concert in this hall.

In 1898 a "Collektivausstellung österreichischer Automobilbauer" (Collective Exhibition of Austrian Carbuilders) was shown during the "Kaiser Franz Joseph Jubiläumsausstellung" (Emperor Franz Joseph Jubilee-Exhibition). The first four cars ever built in Austria-Hungary were shown there, amongst them the car built by Siegfried Marcus in 1888/89.

The Rotunde burned down in 1937. Today on its place you can find a portal of Vienna international fair.

Coordinates for Google Earth users: 48° 12′ 44″ N, 16° 24′ 34″ O