The Prater: Vienna's Wurstelprater and the Making of a Public Park

In 1766, Emperor Joseph II threw open the Prater hunting grounds to the public, creating what would become Vienna's iconic amusement park. This episode takes you through the transformation of the Prater from imperial preserve to the Wurstelprater, home of the Riesenrad Ferris wheel, the 1896 International Exhibition, and the Liliputbahn railway. We explore the social history of the park, its role in Vienna's 19th-century expansion, and how the Prater became a symbol of leisure and democracy in a city defined by imperial grandeur. Key figures include Joseph II, Johann Nestroy, and the architect of the Riesenrad, English engineer Walter Bassett. We also touch on the park's darker moments, including its use during the Nazi era. Perfect for listeners who want a fresh angle on Vienna's history beyond the Habsburgs. #Prater #Wurstelprater #Riesenrad #JosephII #Vienna #Austria #PublicParks #ViennaHistory #Liliputbahn #JohannNestroy #WalterBassett #1896Exhibition #IndustrialRevolution #LeisureHistory #19thCentury #UrbanHistory #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo