After the defeat of the Turks in 1683, for the next two centuries, Vienna went through a period of building, which included various Baroque style palaces including the Schoenbrunn, Hofburg, and Belvedere. Similarly, ornate private houses and apartment building dominates the citiscape. Many of these buildings were decorated with statues and friezes. 

The early buildings, before the advent of elevators and lifts, were limited to 5 storeys, but later rose to around 9 storeys. As part of stipulations to remain a UNESCO heritage site, there is a 43 metre height limit across most of the city.

As in other parts of Europe, the First World War, which left over one million Austro-Hungarian soldiers dead and led to the disolution of the empire, had a marked effect on the political order in Austria. After 600 years of imperial rule, the monarchy was abolished and was replaced by a Social Democratic government. During the 1920s and 1930s, the city went through a period call Red Vienna during which led to a social building program. Huge characterless streamlined apartment buildings now dominate parts of the city.