Few cities have seen so much change as Austria’s capital Vienna. There was a military camp set up by the Romans on what is now the very centre of the City. It was the home of the Habsburgs and the Holy Roman Emperors while it withstood a siege by the Ottomans as the Turks sought further expansion north and west.
Napoleon took Vienna twice. It grew dramatically in the 19th Century while Hitler absorbed Austria for a while. Austria, as it is today, became independent in 1955 and over the following decades Vienna and Austria prospered. Not surprisingly, with such a rich history, visitors have plenty to see and do in Vienna Austria. Tourists with a variety of interests visit in large numbers and read on to see why you should join them.
Belvedere
This Complex of two Baroque Palaces together with the Orangery and stables was formerly the summer home of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Vienna’s success in repelling the Ottomans in the later stages of the 17th Century resulted in a period of growth and prosperity.
Maria Theresa, the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, acquired the estate in the middle of the 18th Century. In the 19th Century, the Palaces became museums for a while before reverting to residences. Since the end of World War I, they have been museums once more. You must visit them during your Vienna visit.
Hofburg
This palace complex was the home of the monarchy for six centuries, the Habsburgs, the Holy Roman Emperors and Austrian Emperors. The monarchy ended at the end of the First World War.
Its origins were as a fortress with considerable extensions done along the way.
Today, it is the official residence of the Austrian President, as well as his workplace. It is also part of the National Library as well as holding many collections and museums.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s stands on the ruins of two other churches, the first built in the 12th Century. What you see today is a cathedral built in the middle of the 14th Century. It was not for another century that it became a bishopric and in 1722, Pope Innocent XIII agreed for it to become an archbishopric. It suffered significant damage from Soviet soldiers as they advanced and considerable reconstruction saw it open in a limited way in 1948, and fully in 1952.
Karlskirche
Karlskirche is the best example of a Baroque Church in Vienna. You will find it on Karlsplatz where it has been since the 18th Century. Charles VI commissioned it in 1713 to remember Charles Borromeo whose medical skills had been so important in treating the plaque that had just been conquered. It took 20 years to complete.
Palace of Justice
Austria’s Supreme Court is in the heart of Vienna. It is of Neo-Renaissance style and was completed in 1881. Fire damage during the July Revolt of 1927 caused significant damage. A two year renovation project followed with the facade being modified in keeping with its historical style.
Hundertwasser House
If you like quirky buildings, you are certain to love this apartment accommodation. Built in the mid-80s, it was a collaboration between an architect Josef Krawina and the ideas of an artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. There are 53 apartments and four offices with terraces, some private, some communal and plenty of trees and bushes.
The Graben
This famous street in Vienna is where traders first worked in the earliest days of the City. Its central location and the width of the street have resulted in its popularity for festival processions from its earliest days.
Vienna State Opera
Your Vienna photos should include one of this lovely Renaissance Revival building. Even if you do not have much interest in opera, you must see it. American bombing caused damage towards the end of World War II. Renovation took some years.
Austria has a famous list of composers including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss so when you visit Vienna, you should read about its contribution to musical culture.
Austrian National Library
There are few more beautiful library halls anywhere than the State Hall of Austria’s National Library. It was originally a private wing within Hofburg. It dates back to the first half of the 18th Century and measures 80 metres in length. There are more than 200,000 books on display including priceless Martin Luther editions.
The lovely dome has frescoes by Daniel Gran, the court painter at the time.
The Prater
This large amusement park was formerly hunting grounds centuries ago. While it opened to the public in the 18th Century, hunting still took place until 1920. There is plenty to see and do in the Prater where the annual Vienna Marathon takes place.
Its Ferris wheel dominates many Vienna pictures. Enjoy the narrow gauge railway, the museum and planetarium.
DC Towers
Vienna City is not all history. You may be surprised to see among common Vienna images this modern piece of architecture. The first of two towers was finished in 2013 after the Recession caused delays and office tenants moved in immediately. Tower One has 60 floors and Two will have 44 once completed. DC Tower 1 is the highest skyscraper in Vienna. During your Vienna travel, you cannot help but see it.
Conclusion
Vienna is one of the most attractive cities in Central Europe. It has been so important to so many rulers over the centuries. That is reflected in some of the fine architecture you will see as you explore the City. The only thing that may disappoint you is that the Danube which is such an impressive river that passes Vienna has yet to develop its might. To see that, you need to head further south and east. Vienna’s location near the border with Hungary may mean you do just that.