Overview

The Burgtor was built to commemorate the Austrian victory over Napolean at Leipzig in 1813. Located to the west of Heldenplatz it is the official entrance to Hofburg but since the demolition of the city walls, it looks rather small and lonesome. During the Austro-Fascist period in the early 30s it was extensively renovated and converted into a monument to the Austrian dead of World War I. Check the two small entrances either side of the Burgtor, also built at this time, with their stylized sculpted eagles in the purest fascist style.