It is highly unusual for a Viennese Palais to bear the name of its architect. But Palais Ferstel is an exception. It was built in 1855-1860 by Heinrich von Ferstel, after he returned from what must have been a highly inspirational trip to Italy.

Von Ferstel’s elegant design combined elements of Venetian and Florentine architecture and art from the Trecento period. The facade is adorned with sculptures by Hanns Gasser.

The Café Central occupies the ground floor of the former Bank and Stockmarket Building.

Heinrich von Ferstel died at the age of 51, but the beauty of his designs for Vienna's Votivkirche church, Museum of Applied Arts and University of Applied Arts