The refined and refined capital of Austria annually attracts thousands of tourists who dream of seeing the unique city with their own eyes. The sights of Vienna are associated with many great names. Composers and poets, artists and musicians, scientists and artists loved to visit here. Strauss, Schubert, Mozart and other composers have made this city the capital of world classical music.
What makes Vienna attractive?
The city is surrounded by numerous hills, which offer stunning views of the sights of Vienna, the ancient city, which is located near the Alps and the Danube River. It will take more than one month to see all the interesting places of the capital. It develops and grows, attracting more and more tourists.
This is the city of politicians and lovers, the author of the theory of psychoanalysis, the most beautiful w altzes and famous opera premieres. The soul rests in Vienna, and therefore it is necessary to visit here at least once.
Austrian Parliament
This buildingstrikingly different from the traditional Gothic buildings of the capital. It was built in 1883 in neo-Greek style. The majestic building is located on the Ringstrasse. Outwardly, it resembles an ancient temple. This historical monument has another name that is often used by the townspeople - the Supreme House.
During the construction of this building, not only the design of the facade was carefully thought out, but also smooth transitions between various decorative elements, interior nuances, up to the design of picture frames and the shape of lamps.
State Opera
The opera house was built in 1869. Thanks to excellent acoustics and luxurious decoration, the Vienna State Opera is considered one of the main attractions of the capital. The building was built in the Renaissance style. Today it is a historical and architectural monument. It is impossible not to say about the sad fate that befell its creators. The king's remark about the building's lack of grandeur caused one of the architects to have a heart attack and another to commit suicide.
During the Second World War, the Vienna State Opera lost most of the scenery, and the building itself was destroyed. Restoration began in 1953. E. Boltenstein supervised the restoration work. Mozart's opera Don Giovanni was the first work performed on the theater stage. The second discovery (after restoration) occurred in 1955. Beethoven's works were played that evening. And today, the famous world opera and ballet troupes consider it an honor to perform atthis scene. The income from productions annually exceeds one hundred million euros.
Art Museum
This unique building was built by decree of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The opening of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna took place in 1891. The building, erected in the Renaissance style, houses one of the largest museums in the world. The basis of his collection is made up of art objects that belonged to the Crown. Numerous exhibits are collected in the museum building:
- coin collections;
- oriental antiquities;
- Egyptian artifacts;
- paintings by famous masters;
- works by European sculptors;
- ancient monuments.
Special attention at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna deserves an art gallery, which is the fourth in the world in terms of the value of the exhibits collected, and a collection of Egyptian artifacts.
Observation deck
The program of all excursion programs includes a visit to this building. The Danube Tower was built for the International Garden Exhibition (1964). It is located in the Donaupark. This is the best viewpoint in Vienna.
Its height is 252 meters. You can climb to the upper platform on one of the elevators or on a staircase with 779 steps. The observation deck is located at an altitude of 150 meters. Tourists can visit two revolving restaurants in the Danube Tower, which are located at an altitude of 160 and 170 meters, a bungee jumping rope that operates only in summer, shops withsouvenirs.
Town Hall
Many tourists prefer self-guided tours of Vienna. In this case, it is necessary to purchase a city guide so as not to miss the most interesting monuments. Be sure to visit the Vienna City Hall, located in the historic center of the capital opposite the Burgtheater building. This neo-Gothic façade overlooks the famous Ringstrasse.
The central tower of the Vienna City Hall soars up 94.5 meters. At the very top there is a figure of Rathausmann. The Austrians consider it an unofficial symbol of the city. In front of the building of the Vienna City Hall there is a square where holidays and social events are held - the May Life Ball, the Christmas Market.
Even in winter, the square is never deserted: it, together with the park, is flooded and turned into a huge, always crowded skating rink. Today the town hall is not only a public building, but also a cultural monument. Here is the state parliament, the residence of the burgomaster of Vienna, the municipality, the city library.
Tourists can visit the building three times a week and admire the amazing architecture of this historical monument.
Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna
The unique garden was founded in 1754, after Empress Maria Theresa decided to create here the Apothecary Garden for the needs of the medical faculty, in the Baroque style, so that students could study plants and their characteristics.
Designer Robert Laugier created a landscape ingeometric order. First, he planted plants that were borrowed from previously developed gardens, including from the Belvedere Palace. After that, the Botanical Garden began to expand and develop rapidly. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the facility has been expanded almost to its current size - eight hectares.
Greenhouses were built on its territory. They were planted with exotic plants brought from all over the world. During World War II, the entire city was badly damaged, and the Botanical Garden was also seriously damaged. More than 200 trees were cut down because they were damaged by artillery shells, the vast majority of greenhouses required full restoration or partial restoration.
Today, the Botanical Garden has a huge collection of flora representatives. Here you can see almost 9 thousand plants. The garden can be visited not only by local residents and guests of the city - it is a scientific laboratory, takes an active part in seminars. Moreover, the scientific significance of the Botanical Garden is due to the opportunity for visitors to take part in nature studies in the "Green School" organized here.
Mozart House Museum
Mozart, already at the peak of his popularity, changed his place of residence in Vienna quite often. Unfortunately, the only apartment in which the great composer lived for three years (1784-1787) has survived to this day. Today, this landmark of Vienna is very popular among fans of the genius composer. Since the musician lived here longer than in otherplaces, the cultural value of this museum is very high.
In 1945, the Mozart House Museum in Vienna became part of the city museum. The last large-scale reconstruction was carried out only in 2006, when the whole world was preparing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the great Austrian composer. The restoration work cost the state treasury more than 8 million euros. The total area of the museum is one thousand square meters. The restorers, who were entrusted with restoring the museum, did their best to restore the house to its appearance at the end of the 18th century.
This is an amazing landmark in Vienna. Entering the lobby, tourists find themselves surrounded by numerous multimedia elements that recreate the atmosphere of the 18th century. Then the guests take the elevator to the fourth floor, where the most interesting exposition is located. Paintings, sculptures, photos tell about the life of the composer and the places where the brilliant musician lived and worked.
On the third floor there are exhibits related to the maestro's musical heritage - musical instruments, theatrical costumes, scores and manuscripts of plays. On the ground floor of the Mozart House, guests can visit the concert hall and appreciate the mastery of orchestras performing classical music.
After the tour, you can relax in the Figaro cafe, where you will be offered a punch prepared according to old recipes.
Plague column
This is one of the main sights of Vienna. The unique sculptural composition is located in the verythe center of the Austrian capital, on Graben street. The plague column is a symbol of gratitude to the saints for delivering the people of the country from the plague that raged in 1679.
Emperor Leopold I ordered the installation of a column of mercy, perpetuating the memory of the thousands who died from a terrible epidemic.
Hofburg
This landmark of Vienna can be safely called the heart of the capital. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Hofburg Palace was the residence of the Austrian emperors. The building has been rebuilt many times, and as a result, a majestic complex has emerged that resembles a very complex labyrinth. Each emperor tried to bring his own innovations to the ensemble. In addition to chambers, offices, spacious halls, the palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, wine cellars, courtyards, arenas and stables. Today, the Hofburg partially remains the official presidential residence, the rest is open to tourists.
The majestic cathedral was built on the site where in the 13th century there was a small church. For the first time the temple is mentioned in the annals of 1221. The cathedral was rebuilt several times and got its current look in 1523.
The temple has two towers: north and south, 137 meters high. If you want to get to its observation deck, you will have to overcome more than 300 steps. From here you have a stunning view of the Pannonian Valley, the Alps, the Danube.
The north tower is much lower. Its height is 68 meters. The fact is that even today it remains unfinished. It is crowned with a dome made in the Renaissance style,under which is the largest bell in the country. For its manufacture, 180 cannons were melted down, which became a trophy after the battle with the Turkish army.
During the war (1941-1945), the cathedral was badly damaged: a fire broke out in the building, and the bell fell off and broke. Restoration work lasted seven years, and only in 1952 the parishioners were able to visit the temple. Today, services are regularly held there. Like a hundred years ago, the townspeople are notified about this by a bell. In the cathedral you can see rare images of saints, sculptures, tombstones and monuments, altars skillfully made by famous masters. In addition, the temple is the tomb of the country's creative elite and kings.
Vienna: reviews of tourists
According to people who have visited the Austrian capital, this trip will be remembered by them for many years. This is an amazing city: every meter of its territory keeps ancient monuments. The capital has many historical, architectural and cultural attractions, which will take a lot of time to explore. Excursions in Vienna are conducted by experienced guides, so they are always informative and interesting. Tourists are advised not to plan visits to other cities of the country on one trip.
