The Constantine Hill

When talking about the Duck Pond on the main avenue of the Prater it actually refers to the Constantine Pond, situated at the Constantine Hill which is steeped in history. The oldest still surviving bridge in Vienna is the Constantine Footbridge from where the Constantine Hill can be climbed. The 7m high elevation was formed during the World Exhibition 1873. Chief Chamberlain Konstantin zu Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst was involved in the construction management of the World Exhibition. The Constantine Pond was excellently suited for boat rides and there were coffee houses and restaurants on top of the hill. Numerous events delighted visitors.

To me the duck pond, pardon, Constantine Pond, is a resting place. In the early 20th century, it would have been impossible to read a book peacefully on a bench. It is even perceived as a disturbance if dogs play in the meadow, or a match takes place on the nearby soccer field. Sacred tranquility is guaranteed nowhere as long as you dwell amongst the living. The alluvial meadows serve as resting places for people, or they practice sports from soccer to variants of Quidditich. One day two young men steered remote controlled model boats across the Constantine Pond. One of the boats got caught up in the undergrowth and I watched, mildly amused, how it took a good half-hour until one of the young men managed to get the boat to the safety of the shore. It needed tools like branches.

While I was engrossed in a book a couple asked me for the way to the “Hundertwasser-Haus”. All roads lead to Rome and likewise to the “Hundertwasser-Haus”. It is not far. The only drawback is that you must leave the Prater. We engaged in conversation. Viennese and natives of Munich are after all somewhat similar in their terminology. And the English Garden in Munich is not to be disdained. After we had complimented each other, I could dedicate myself to reading again.

You can encounter ducks not only at the Duck Pond in Prater. But they are present in large numbers around and on Constantine Pond and it might happen that a mother duck with seven to ten ducklings can be admired. There are swans too and one heron. Up to the 1960ies the Constantine Pond was renowned as a first-rate natural ice-skating rink. But what remains of the beautiful past? The building on top of the Constantine Hill was burnt down by vandals at the end of August 1977.

The Constantine Footbridge is listed. Through the years innumerable pedal cars with four or two seats must have driven over it. It has remained unimpressed. In my childhood I often had my transistor radio with me on Constantine Hill and listened to “Sports and Music” when I was out and about with my family. A formative memory that connects me with this place.