Gefechtsturm Augarten — Attraction in Vienna

Stunning I'd say! Like in Arenberg park, a huge building as if taken straight out of a fantastic or post-apocalyptic film, Mad-Max style. There are two huge towers in this park, which were actually anti-aircraft structures, but shelters as well, during World War II. Each had a different purpose: one for the cannon batteries, and the second probably as a control tower. They also both served as shelters for tens of thousands of people and as warehouse supplying to their needs. I wouldn't say this is a must-see in Vienna, but as it wasn't my first time there, I at last decided to see them, and I must confess that I have no regrets whatsoever So much so that I had to go and see two more in Arenberg Park, east of Stadt Park. Of course also outstanding (literally). Yes! Different from the rest of Vienna, but not less amazing. Just look...

Grim reminders of a dark period in history, there is unusually absolutely nothing explaining them in situ. It's perhaps understandable there is no information for tourist or local alike, as if they were wished away, nevertheless these behemoths overshadow the parks they are in. A pity that something more positive or proactive hasn't been done, to reappropriate the history of these relics; the only exception being Haus des Meeres in the other end of town. This one in Augarten has a very poignant inscription in the pavement, referring to a Pogrom, which indirectly of course led to the building of...

A grim reminder of a darker past.

Across Vienna are the remains of flak towers. These were gigantic constructions of steel and concrete, built to house anti-aircraft guns to shoot down Allied aircraft in World War II. They were built like fortresses, and were almost impregnable. After the war, these hulking monstrosities were too difficult to safely demolish and so many of them have been left standing. A number of them still stand in Vienna, with the tower in Augarten being one of the best preserved. You cannot enter this one, however, it still stands as a memory of darker times that should never...