Perchtoldsdorf

Just over the Vienna city line to the southwest lies Perchtoldsdorf, a charming market town with many wine taverns, a 13th-century Gothic Pfarrkirche (parish church), and the overarching symbol of the town—an imposing stone tower completed in 1511, once forming a piece of the town's defense wall. Familiarly known as Pedersdorf, the town is a favorite excursion spot for the Viennese, who come mainly for the good local wines. Wander around the compact town square to admire the Renaissance houses, some with arcaded courtyards. The Pestsäule (Plague Column) in the center of the square, which gives thanks for rescue from the dread 16th-century plague, was created by the famous Baroque architect Fischer von Erlach and is similar to the Plague Column that adorns the Graben in Vienna. Without a car, you can reach Perchtoldsdorf from Vienna by the S-Bahn, or train, from the Westbahnhof, to Liesing, and then a short cab ride to the town.