|
|
|
>Sightseeing >Sights
of Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace |
|
Schönbrunn Palace
|
|
The Palace with its surrounding buildings and the huge park
is one of the most significant cultural monuments in Austria.
It was generally used as the summer residence of the Habsburg
rulers.
The Emperor Franz Joseph (ruled 1848-1916), who was born here
in 1830, spent the last years of his life entirely in Schönbrunn.
In 1918, the palace became the property of the new republic.
Due to this historical importance, its beautiful location and
its gardens this palace is one of the very top sights in Vienna.
Furthermore the entire complex was taken up in the UNESCO's
world cultural heritage list.
Schönbrunn Palace Schlosspark Schönbrunn, A- 1130
Vienna |
|
Schönbrunn zoo |
|
Schönbrunn zoo
|
|
Schönbrunn Zoo is the world's oldest and only baroque zoo.
The Schoenbrunn Zoo is situated in the south-eastern part of
the Habsburgs' summer residence and was built in 1760.
What makes the zoo so special is the keeping of animals after
their specific requirements and the simultaneous emphasis of
the baroque heritage. The historical buildings are restored
by experts of international reputation under the supervision
of the conservation authorities and serve present-day purposes
without any defeat of its fascination.
Schönbrunner Tiergarten Maxingstraße 13b, A-1130
Vienna |
|
Hofburg |
|
Hofburg
|
|
The Hofburg was orignially a medieval castle, but today only
the castle chapel remembers of its medieval past. The Hofburg
was extended to a magnificent residence when the Habsburg's
power increased.
That is the reason why one can find almost any architectural
styles, from gothic style to art nouveau. Nowadays this enormous
complex is the home of the "Österreichische Nationalbibliothek"
(National Library), the "Schatzkammer" (Imperial Treasury),
the Collection of Musical Instruments, the Collection of Weapons,
the "Museum für Völkerkunde" (Museum of
Ethnography) and the famous "Spanische Hofreitschule"
(Spanish Riding School). Partly enclosed to the Hofburg one
can find the vast "Heldenplatz" that is very impressive
too. Equestrian statues of Archduke Karl, who won the battle
of Aspern against Napoleon's troops (1809), and Prince Eugene
of Savoy, who defeated the Turks, attest to Austria's glorious
past.
Hofburg Innerer Burghof/Kaisertor, A-1010 Vienna |
|
St. Stephen's Cathedral |
|
St. Stephen's Cathedral
|
|
St. Stephen's Cathedral is situated in the city centre, and
for centuries it has been the heart of Vienna. It is one of
the most famous Viennese sights and was built in 1147.
The cathedral was dedicated to St. Stephen. Duke Rudolf IV of
Habsburg ordered the complete restructuring of the church in
Gothic style. In 1359, he laid the cornerstone of the nave with
its two aisles. The South Tower, was completed in 1433 (the
Viennese have given it the nickname "Steffl," representative
of the whole cathedral). The cathedral has got two very impressive
features: The gigantic roof, and the tall, lean tower (136,7
metres of hight). One can find only few gothic towers of such
height that were finished in the Middle Ages. Inside the Cathedral
there are many art treasures like the tomb of Prince Eugene
of Savoy (1754), the Altarpiece of Wiener Neustadt, the pulpit
by Anton Pilgram (1514-15), the sepulcher of Emperor Frederik
III by Niclas Gerhaert (1467-1513), the watchman`s lookout,
a self portrait of the sculptor, and the Gothic winged altar.
St. Stephen's Cathedral Stephansplatz, A-1010 Vienna |
|
Spanish Riding School |
|
Spanish Riding School
|
|
The Spanish Riding School is the oldest and last Riding School
in the world where classic dressage is still practised in its
purest form. This Institute was founded in 1572.
It's name was derived from the fact that the horses were of
Spanish origin. (The Lipizzaner is regarded as the oldest classic
horse race in Europe) The Riders of the Spanish Riding School
train the horses and perform in the Winter Riding School in
the Vienna Hofburg (Imperial Palace) in a splendid Baroque structure
hall built by Josef Emanuel Fischer von Erlach between 1729
and 1735. The presentations of classical dressage have been
open to the public since 1920.
Spanish Riding School Michaelerplatz 1, A-1010 Vienna |
|
Ring Boulevard |
|
Ring Boulevard
|
|
The Vienna Ring Boulevard is 4 kilometres long and circles the
city centre. The construction of the Ring Boulevard was initiated
by Emperor Franz Joseph I in December 1857.
With the construction of this magnificent road on the free space,
a connection between the city center and the suburbs, which
since 1850 have been a part of the city, has been achieved.
The Ring Boulevard was ceremonously inaugurated on 1st May in
1865 and is today one of the biggest and most beautiful boulevards
of its kind. |
|
Belvedere Palace |
|
Belvedere Palace
|
|
The two magnificient palaces on the Belvedere grounds lie in
the middle of a splendid park. They were constructed for Prince
Eugene of Savoy by J.L. von Hildebrandt, a famous Baroque architect.
At this time the Belvedere Palaces were still located outside
Vienna's defences, but today they are a part of Vienna`s third
district which is not far away from the very centre of Vienna.
The Palaces' architecture and interior design are in Rococo.
Both of the palaces house museums of Austrian painting. In the
lower palace the "Österreichisches Barockmuseum"
(Austrian Museum of Baroque Art) displays Austrian Art of the
18th century. In the upper palace you can visit the Austrian
gallery with a collection of 19th- and 20th-century Austrian
paintings. There, you can find works of artist of the Secession
movement such as Gustav Klimt (1867-1918), Egon Schiele (1890-1918)
or Oskar Kokoschka (1886-1980).
Belvedere Palace Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, A-1030 Vienna |
|
Prater |
|
Prater
|
|
The Prater is Vienna's most popular fun fair. Here one can enjoy
a great view from the giant Ferris wheel, and one can do sports
and relax in the area of forest land and fields.
The Prater is situated near the centre and is ideal for walking,
cycling, jogging or just lying on the grass after an exhausting
sightseeing tour in the inner city. Furthermore one can find
major facilities for sports and recreation, such as the Krieau
harness racing track, the Prater Stadium (soccer and track-and-field),
the Stadionbad public swimming pools, the Freudenau flat racing
track and the Pleasure Pavillion (Lusthaus) in the Prater. Two
further attractions in the Prater are the Vienna Wurschtlprater,
a fun fair with the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad), where one
can enjoy a terrific view over Vienna from 200 feet altitude
and the Lilliputian Railroad (Liliputbahn), a 2.6 mile amusement
park line on a auge of old steam locomotives, providing transportation
to the Trade Fair grounds and to the Stadium.
Prater A-1020 |
|
Vienna Opera House (Oper) |
|
Vienna Opera House (Oper)
|
|
The Vienna Opera House is situated in the frist district of
Vienna at the southern end of the Kärntnerstrasse. August
von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll built the Court
Opera House from 1861 to 1869.
The Vienna Opera House has a world-wide reputation for its first-class
opera performances and is also known because of the Vienna Philharmonic
Orchestra. A night at the State Opera is one of the most impressive
events any visitor to Vienna can experience.
Vienna Opera house Opernring 2, A-1020 Vienna |
|
Burgtheater (National Theatre) |
|
Burgtheater (National Theatre)
|
|
The Burgtheater is situated in the first district. In 1741 Empress
Maria Theresia handed an unused dance-house over to the theatre-company
Sellier. Since then, this building was used as a theatre.
The Burgtheater has obtained a world-wide reputation for brilliant
dramatic art and it holds a leading position in the dramatic
arts of German-speaking Europe. Over the years, its theatrical
company of more or less regular members has worked out a traditional
style and speech characteristic of Burgtheater performances.
The audience has always been involved in evaluating the talents
of new members of the Burgtheater company.
Burgtheater Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Ring 2, A- 1010 Vienna |
|
Anchor Clock (Ankeruhr) |
|
Anchor Clock (Ankeruhr)
|
|
The Anchor Clock was built between 1911 and 1917 after the plans
of the painter Franz von Matsch. It is situated on the oldest
square of Vienna and represents a typical Art Nouveau design.
It forms a bridge between the two parts of the Anker Insurance
Company's building. In the course of 12 hours, twelve historical
figures or pairs of figures move across the bridge. Every day
at noon, all of the figures parade, each accompanied by music
from its era.
Anchor Clock Hoher Markt Nr. 10/11, A-1010 Vienna |
|
Danube Tower |
|
Danube Tower
|
|
If you want to enjoy a magnificent view over Vienna this is
the right place to go. The Viennese affectionately call the
tower "Concrete needle". It is 352 meters high and was built
within 20 months!
While enjoying the terrific view visitors can take place in
the cafe or restaurant, where traditional Viennese specialities
as well as modern delicious meals are served.
Danube Tower Donauturmstrasse 4, A-1223 Vienna |
|
Danube Island |
|
Danube Island
|
|
The Danube Island is enclosed by the River Danube and by the
New Danube. It is 21 km long and up to 250 m wide and in June
it houses the famous Donauinselfest, a big outdoor event.
The "Copa Kagrana" beach, near the Vienna International Centre,
has numerous restaurants and leisure facilities and is a meeting
point for young people. If you want to go swimming, biking,
or if you just want to relax in a café - on this island you
will have a great time! |
|
|
|
|