Franziskanerplatz is located in one of Vienna’s oldest quarters, just a few minutes’ walk from Stefansplatz. Its name is derived from the Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church) that was built here in the 17th century in a Renaissance style that incorporated Gothic elements. Like any good city square, it also had a spring, called the Moses Spring.
A veteran of the Franziskanerplatz dining scene is the Kleine Café. Designed in the mid-1970s by architect Hermann Czech, today it still remains a popular meeting place for the art scene. In the summer patrons can relax at tables on the square directly in front of the café. The Gasthaus Pöschl restaurant is located on Weihburggasse, which leads to Franziskanerplatz. It also includes an outdoor dining area on the square. The newest addition to the dining scene is Artner am Franziskanerplatz, where a former printing shop has been converted into an elegant restaurant. The vaulted brick cellar houses not only a dining area, but also an extensive wine cellar.
A few doors down, situated in a beautiful courtyard, is Die vermischte Warenhandlung, with its adorable collection of accessories and curios. Visitors looking for a gift or souvenir will certainly not be disappointed. Also on Wiehburggasee sits the housewares shop Living Vienna, where the owner has brought together beautiful decorative elements from around the world.
