Photos of Ferstel Passage
About Ferstel Passage
Ferstel Passage is a stunning covered arcade cutting through Palais Ferstel between Herrengasse and the Freyung in central Vienna. Heinrich von Ferstel built it as a bank and stock exchange in 1860, and the building still carries his name. The passage bends partway along and opens into a breathtaking courtyard sitting under a soaring glass dome. In the middle of that courtyard is the Donaunixen fountain, six metres of marble and bronze with three nymphs rising out of the basin. That courtyard is where you'll spend your time. Light comes down through the dome onto the bronze, soft and even. Point up from beside the basin and the ribs of the dome radiate out above you. Looking down the arcade itself the vaulting and the rows of pilasters line up cleanly from either end, plus it feels completely different walking in from the Freyung than from Herrengasse. You'll want a fast lens when shooting in the arcades, they don't fill with nearly as much light as the central courtyard. Try to go early, before the shoppers and tourists arrive if you want lots of space to experiment with compositions. (Vienna, Vienna, Austria)
