Vienna's Sausage Stands Recognised as UNESCO Cultural Heritage

The Würstelstand sausage stalls in Vienna, the capital of Austria, have been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, the Associated Press reports.

‘The UNESCO designation pays tribute to the traditions, hospitality and diversity of our city,’ the newspaper quoted Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig as saying.

He stressed that the new status is a recognition of the city's residents, who ‘with their warmth and charm make sausage stalls more than just a place to eat - a meeting place where cheerfulness and culture come together’.

The publication notes that the street sausage shop is known for bringing together people from different classes and walks of life, and has its own distinctive vocabulary.

The tradition of making sausages dates back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire before World War I, when former soldiers opened mobile culinary shops to earn a living, AP writes.

The oldest stationary stall in the city, Würstelstand Leo, has been serving sausages since 1928. The number of stands increased when a permit was issued in 1969.