Burgtheater (Court Theatre)
The Burgtheater (Court Theatre) originally called K.K. Theater an der Burg is the second oldest existing theatre in the world and one of the most respected theaters in Europe. It is located in the heart of the city across the City Hall of Vienna (Rathaus) few minutes of walk from other major sights and landmarks.
The Burgtheater was established by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in 1741 to have a theater close to the palace but it was moved to the present building in 1888. The new Burgtheater was built according to the design of architects Gottfried Semper and Karl Freiherr von Hasenauer. It was mostly destroyed in a bombing raid during World War II in 1945 and afterward additionally damaged by a fire.
The theater building was restored in the 1950’s and has 1175 seats, 81 standing places, and room for 12 wheelchairs and escort but it is recommendable to purchase tickets in advance online. If being interested in the Burgtheater building only tours are available in German language with summary in English.