The charming Volksgarten was a boon for the people of Vienna and until today remains a popular spot for those who want to enjoy a stroll amidst its multiple varieties of roses and dignified statues. Strange though it might be, for its creation we should probably thank Napoleon! The French emperor entered Vienna in 1809 after his victory at the Battle of Wagram and forced the Austrian Empire to sign the Peace Treaty of Schönbrunn. On their way out of the city, his troops blew up part of the fortifications, creating some open space. And this is how something unpleasant turned into an opportunity to revamp Vienna. Although the original plan was the creation of a private royal garden, the authorities eventually decided to create a garden for the people, which, inaugurated in 1823, would be the first public park in the city!