Places of Interest in Vienna

Karl-Marx-Hof

Karl-Marx-Hof, U-Bahn: Heiligenstadt

Although primarily a destination for architectural/town planning buffs, the Karl Marx Hof is one of a number municipal housing projects undertaken during the 1920s and 1930s in a period referred to as "Rotes Wien", when a progressive socialist council was in office. At the time of their construction, there were 1325 flats and none contained bathrooms. Instead, there were communal facilities including a bathing area, a laundry, a doctor’s surgery and various other shops and services.

During the Civil War of 1934, the complex suffered serious damage after armed left wingers took refuge there and were bombarded into submission by pro-fascist elements. However, the whole complex was renovated during the 1980s when modern facilities, such as bathrooms, were added. They do, of course, give good insight into a well-thought out municipal housing project and make for an interesting visit (if you have the time).

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