9 Viennese Places Where Beethoven Would Take You
2. Beethovenpark
Following our musical trail, we walk on Bäckerstrasse, to Stubenring. From this point, we can either continue walking or take tram 2 to Karlsplatz.
If we choose walking, we cross Stadtpark, admiring several statues of renowned musicians: Anton Bruckner, Franz Lehár, Robert Stolz, Franz Schubert and, of course, the Waltz King Johann Strauss. When Beethoven died, little Schani (the Viennese name for Johann) was barely 3 years old.
From the central Stadtpark, we walk across Lothringerstrasse Street and finally arrive at Beethovenpark (Beethoven Park), which was opened back in 1901. Beethoven’s statue is carefully guarding from the heart of the park and facing the Konzerthaus building (Concert House).
The statue was discovered in 1880. The one who made this discovery was another fellow musician, Franz Liszt (1811-1886), who donated all the proceeds of his last concert (16 March 1877) on the occasion of celebrating 50 years since Beethoven’s death, in order to complete the monument.
According to an anecdote, Beethoven was very pleased with Franz Liszt, congratulating and kissing his forehead after a piano recital — a special honor from the master, which motivated Liszt to continuously support Beethoven’s compositions.
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