Vienna - Vienna guide, attractions and pictures
Vienna (Wien) the capital of
Austria is a city of exceptional historical significance: the city was a Northern Roman province, a centre of the Hapsburg Empire, and the birthplace of secession and classical music. Vienna’s buildings are elegant, well preserved and extraordinary beautiful. The Innere Stadt, the historic center of the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is easy to walk around and has excellent transportation system.
Vienna has originated as a Celtic settlement in 500 BC. The city was ruled by the Babenberg and the Hapsburg dynasties during the Middle Ages. Vienna was proclaimed a capital of the Holy Roman Empire and later, a capital city of the Austrian Empire. Following the First World War, Vienna became the formal seat of the Austrian Republic.
Vienna holds many historic and cultural landmarks. The
Hofburg Palace symbolizes imperial power and hints to the superb wealth of the imperial treasury. The breath taking size of Hofburg is due to the fact that the Hapsburg rulers preferred to abandon the quarters of their predecessors and built residencies of their own.
Belvedere palace is a superb Baroque building which was inhabited by Prince Eugene of Savoy. The summer residence of the prince contained a picturesque garden and an orangery. At present, Belvedere houses the Austrian Gallery which showcases Baroque and contemporary art. The
Schonbrunn Palace is a magnificent Baroque masterpiece. The palace was built in 1700 by Fischer von Erlach for Leopold I. A Classic Pass entitles visitors to entry to the Grand Tour, the Gloriette, the maze, and other of the palace premises.
St Stephen's Cathedral blends the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Situated in Central Vienna, this cathedral is the home of the Archbishop of Vienna. The reconstruction and expansion of the church lasted almost four centuries. The original structure of 1137 was extended westward and later replaced by a Romanesque building. Albert I ordered a Gothic choir while his son Albert II consecrated the cathedral. The
Hundertwasser House represents a residential building designed by the extravagant artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The roof is covered with grass while trees grow inside the building. In case of cultural fatigue, visitors can head to the
Graben shopping area. The site has functioned as a market place since 1295. At present, Graben is the busiest pedestrian boulevard in Vienna. The area contains many cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops which offer artifacts made in the capital city.
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