The Sights of Vienna

Astonishing Architecture

Ankeruhr, a short distance from the Danube Canal, is an interesting point to start a tour of Vienna. Seen arched over a street in Hoher Markt Square, the bridge is recognizable by the beautifully adorned clock in its side. The best time to see the Art Nouveau piece is at noon, when it's twelve historical figures dance across its face.

Haas House is a great example of the new meeting the old. This initially controversial glass and concrete structure was designed by Hans Hollein. Reflecting St Stephen’s Cathedral, it soon became one of the most stunning examples of modern architecture in Vienna. Visitors can also enjoy the sights of the area from the top of Haas House or dine in its café or restaurant.

The tallest structure in Austria is a modern tower known as the Donauturm. Referred to the Danube Tower in English, it’s height of 252m create impressive views of the city during the day. At night, the lights increase the attractiveness of the city‘s landscape. At the top of the tower, a rotating restaurant and café offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and desserts.

Educational institutions are also an impressive sight in Vienna. The University of Vienna, founded in 1365, is a wonderful mix of old and new architecture. The University is also prized for its ties with nine Nobel Prize winners. Spanische Hofreitschule (The Spanish Riding School) specializes in the training of the world famous Lipizzaner Horses as well as educating students in riding and carriage driving.

Leisurely Locations

For a little excitement, Prater is the place to go. The first site observed at fun fair and the giant Ferris wheel known as “Riesenrad.” Visitors to the fair can enjoy the rides, try their luck at some of the games, or enjoy a meal at one of the food carts. The beautiful park nearby is a great place to relax while the recreational facilities host major sporting events and a swimming pool.

Vienna’s visually stimulating marketplaces are popular for their socializing as well as its shopping. Restaurants, coffee shops, and flea markets can also be found among the many carts and stalls. Vienna is famous for its leather goods, ski equipment, petit point, and porcelain as well as the many handicrafts made by local residents. One of the most well known is Naschmarkt, which began in the 16th century. A wide variety of food items from all over the world are offered by vendors.

Sacred Sites

Across the street from Haas House, the bells of St Stephen’s Cathedral beckon. Originally constructed in 1147, over an ancient cemetery, the cathedral has been an important aspect of life in Vienna. Stories of the past and tales of ghosts surround this beautiful Gothic style church. Tours of the church and the catacombs below are available almost all year around.

Another notable sacred site in Vienna is Karlskirche, also known as St Charles’ Church. The exterior of the church is notable for its copper copula and its two high columns. On the inside, beautiful paintings and sculptures adorn the walls and ceilings. The church is named for Emperor Charles VI, who built the church as a gratitude to God. An Art Nouveau tube station, known as Karlsplatz Stadtbahn Station, is a stone’s through away.

For cemetery enthusiasts, Zentralfriedhof Cemetery is the most notable of the many found in Vienna. The graves of famous composers such as Schoenberg, Strauss, and Beethoven can be found here as well as many notable physicians, writers, artists, and political figures. In all, there are approximately 3.3 million people buried in the 2.4 sq km patch. Dr Karl Lueger-Gedachtniskrche, a church, can also be found here.

Musical Marvels

For a musical performance not soon to be forgotten, the Vienna Opera House provides the perfect opportunity. Staatsoper, as the opera house is known, combines beautiful acoustics and architecture with the some of world’s finest singers and musicians. Listeners experience one of a kind musical and operatic performance with the Vienna Philharmonic. The Opera House also hosts the annual Vienna Music Festival, in which musicians such as Canada‘s Glen Gould have performed.

Musikverein is the hub of musical activity of Vienna. It not only the home stage of the Vienna Philharmonic, but visitors can also tour the library, conservatory, and antique instrument displays.

Statues and impressive ornamentation mark the Burgtheater. The National Theater Company, famous for its theatrical performance, began utilizing this building in 1888. The building also features the Burgtheater Gallery and restaurant.

Royal Residences

Hofburg was the Austrian Imperial Residence until 1918. Once the home of the Habsburg Dynasty, the building is divided into three distinct areas. The Imperial Chancellery Wing, the Sissi Museum, and the apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth give insight into the lives of the royal family. The chapel is from the medieval period and displays the Vienna Boys Choir during the Sunday Mass.

Schonbrunn Palace is a delight for tourist young and old. Open-air concerts and markets are hosted on the grounds while art and historical exhibits are given in the palace buildings. Among the various parks and gardens, hidden treasures such as mazes, fountains, puppet shows, and the world’s oldest zoo can be found here.

Whether you are interested in culture, history or architecture, Vienna is a city of endless opportunity. The city flawlessly melds its history with today’s modern marvels. With its markets, fairs, zoos, and architecture, this romantic city is an endless treasure of sights to see.

Article Source: http://www.viennacitytours.com/article

Daily City Tours of Viena, Sightseeing trips and Hotels in Vienna. Guided tours in Vienna.

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