The oldest square in Vienna is found on the edge of the textile district (called “Fetzenviertel“ by the Viennese, meaning “the rag district”). It is rich with memories that go back to the very start of the city’s history. The Romans called it the “Old forum”; here stood the palace of the Commander of the Roman fortress of Vindobona, and it is here that Emperor Marcus Aurelius died. In the middle ages executions were carried our here. It was the Reuthof of the Babenbergers, the fish market and the trading-site favoured by the cloth-seller. After the destruction resulting from the events of 1945 nearly all the houses in the Hoher Markt had to be rebuilt. The focal point of the square is the Espousals Fountain donated by Leopold I. the decoration of the figures, showing the espousal of Mary and Joseph, is by Antonio Corradini. Johann B. Fischer von erlach erected the original fountain which was made of wood. In 1792 it wa remade in white marble by his son. On the east side of the square it is impossible not to see the splendid clock of the Anker Insurance Company on the archway spanning Rotgasse. Every hour historical figures solemnly go past in order from 1 to 12: Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Charlemagne, Duke Leopold IV and Theodore of Byzantium, the poet walter von der Vogelweide, King Rudolf I with his consort, Anna of Hohenburg, Master Hans Puchsbaum, Emperor Maximilian I, Mayor A. von Liebenberg, Count Rüdiger von Starhemberg, Prince Eugene, Empress Maria Theresa with Emperor Francis I and Joseph Haydn. At noon all the figures form up and process, accompanied by music. This remarkable clock was built by the painter Franz con Matsch at the beginning of the First World War. It is dedicated to the “people of Vienna” A stairway by house No. 3 leads down to underground ruins dating from the Roman period. It is possible to see the footings of walls of houses for officers in the neighbourhood of the barracks of Vindobona (2nd and 3rd c.). There are also remains of a Germanic house (4th c.), as well as casts of reliefs, stamped tiles, remnants of a palisade and, in showcases, various remains. Open Tue.-Sun. 9am-12.15pm and 1-4.30pm.