Vienna , for centuries was the metropolis of an immense empire, today, somehow retain the status as the great unifier of two Europes: the West and East. The secular mix of different peoples and cultures has become a specialist in international relations. It is the only European capital where the United Nations has headquarters. It has one of the most beautiful architectural heritages of Europe and has the reputation of having the most intense cultural life of the old continent. Cosmopolitan by tradition, is a welcoming city that prides itself on offering its best.
Traversed by the famous Danube River, Vienna , with just over 1.5 million inhabitants and an area of 415 km2, is the dynamic capital of Austria . In the heart of Central Europe, this is the city where the East and West meet. A strategic geographical location has always been disputed by many different peoples throughout history. The diversity of tribes, races and nationalities which passed gave him a wealth of unique cultural tradition and cosmopolitan city.
Proud of its past, Vienna is an outdoor museum, immaculately preserved. Lady Mary Worthley Montagu wrote in 1716: "The city is very large and almost entirely composed of delicious palaces." Today, Vienna may not seem so great, but these "delicious" palaces remain its largest card.
It is through fantastic scenery that life is intense, especially in typical cafes, which are multiplied by the city. They are the ideal places to meet in private to Viennese culture and also to experience the famous desserts. Its rich and varied cuisine has also become famous beyond its borders, as well as tasty beer and fine wines, especially whites.
The greatest symbol of Vienna is its intense cultural life. Throughout the year, the cultural agenda is not only diverse but also of excellent quality, especially in music. After all, the city is home to big names in classical music: Mozart, Schubert and Beethoven are just a list of enviable.
Because of its strategic location at the heart of Central Europe, Vienna was the crown jewel of a multitude of conquerors. Among the first, include the Celts, Romans and barbarians. In the tenth century, are the Babenberg occupying Vienna, and over three centuries the city became an important commercial center.
From the thirteenth century, Vienna became capital of the vast Hapsburg Empire. For centuries is a remarkable cultural center, famous for its beautiful palaces. In the nineteenth century was the world's fourth largest city and capital of a nation of 55 million inhabitants.
The First World War marked the end of the Habsburg Empire. Austria is annexed to Germany in 1938 and Nazi after Hitler's defeat, submit to the control of the Allies. The country regains its independence in 1955.
During the Cold War, Vienna is no longer the distant border with the East. In this dark period, East and West jockey for the world and Vienna reveals his diplomatic capacity. Becomes the host of the great moments of history, namely, the encounter between Khrushchev and Kennedy. Throughout the twentieth century, its role as international mediator gains even more influence.
In 1979, the United Nations in Vienna founded its third headquarters, the only capital in Europe. With the end of the Soviet Union, Vienna is no longer the end of the Western world to take geographically and diplomatically as the focal point of the two Europes.
Listening to Mozart
It is said that in Vienna, at any time of day or night, there is always someone somewhere playing the music of Mozart. We can hear it in the opera house, a church, a festival, an open-air concert or better yet, a coffee "belle epoque", performed by a Hungarian orchestra. There are numerous alternatives, and also very nice to hear Mozart in the city that idolizes.
Crossing the Danube
Johann Strauss was very poetic when dubbed the Danube "Blue". In fact, its color is closer to a muddy green. Anyway, is one of the cards of the city and deserves a closer look. The legendary DDSG company organizes trips by boat a day at affordable prices. During the tour, there is always the opportunity to enjoy some of the most famous panoramic western Austria, including the magnificent towns of Krems and Melk.
The Spanish Riding School
Nothing evokes the best imperial Vienna that this school, founded by the Habsburgs in the sixteenth century. Here, we can appreciate the skill and elegance of the famous Lipizzaner stallions. Daily performances take place where experienced riders show why these horses are considered the best in the world "high school". To attend one of the statements we recommend booking 6 or 8 weeks in advance.
The "Heurigen" in the Vienna Woods
The "Heurigen" are rustic taverns that celebrate the arrival of a new crop of wine by putting a pine branch on the door. The Viennese are always willing to come to these nice houses, situated in the wine region of Vienna, to experience the new wine and celebrate the event with a lavish banquet. It is almost mandatory to taste the red wines of Vvsalu of Sylvaner of Grinzing, or a Riesling Nussberg.
Revisiting the Habsburgs
The Habsburgs were one of the most famous royal families of Europe, who ruled the destinies of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from his court in Vienna. We can still appreciate the grandeur of imperial Vienna deambularmos the heart of the city. The palace "Hofburg" was the winter palace of the family, an amazing building that looks more like a compendium of architecture dating from the thirteenth century. It is also recommended a visit to the summer palace of the Hapsburgs, "Schvnbrunn", on the outskirts of Vienna. True rival Versailles, the palace also has magnificent gardens .
Cycling along the Danube
The cycle path that follows the Danube is a paradise for any rider. It lies between Vienna and Naarn, and offers the most beautiful and scenic places. Go through small quaint towns, ancient medieval boroughs, castles, beautiful vineyards ... With a good map, you can acquire in Vienna Tourism, and hire a bike (rental spaces abound in the city) is guaranteed an unforgettable journey.
The typical Viennese coffeehouse
The traditional coffee house still stands in all its authenticity in this city. We can spend hours reading newspapers (provided free), write memories or planning the rest of the stay in Vienna. Of course there is always a tasty coffee, prepared in 20 or 30 different ways, from "Weissen Ohne" (with milk) to "Mocca Gespritzt" (coffee with rum or brandy). Accompanying the coffee can never miss one of the famous Viennese pastry delicacies.
In Kärntnerstrasse
The bustle of Vienna is more intense in "Kärntnerstrasse", a street intended for pedestrians only. From morning to night, is animated by a thousand street vendors, street artists and the many Viennese who are here for your favorite outing place. Do not miss the elegant terrace cafes, to stay quietly to enjoy the coming and going of people while tasting a typical slice of chocolate cake.
The Green Prater
Since the Emperor Joseph II opened in the eighteenth century, the "Prater" is the favorite of the Viennese park during the summer addition to the pleasant walks among abundant green one or a range of cafes in a quiet terrace, the park also concentrates many sports facilities including tennis courts and a golf course.
A Night at the Opera
Vienna has the best opera house in the world, "Staatsoper". Ascending the grand marble staircase we find a wonderful show. Built in 1860, the "Staatsoper" suffered severe damage during World War II but reopened in 1955 with the production of "Fidelio" by Beethoven to mark the independence of Austria. Strauss and Mahler directed his orchestra, and today the most famous opera stars rise to its grand stage, accompanied by the fantastic Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Cathedral of St. Stephen
In the center of Vienna, the cathedral is the city's soul. In the crypt under the altar, lie the remains of some Hapsburgs. For over 800 years, existed on the site a Romanesque church of the thirteenth century, but it only left the Portico of the Giants and the Towers of the Heathens. The nave, the chancel and side chapels Gothic result of reconstruction made in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, with some external parties as representative of the Baroque period. The cathedral contains many treasures: masterpieces of Gothic sculpture, figures of saints on the walls and canopies on side altars. The Renaissance is also present, such is the remarkable tomb of Frederick III, as well as the most elaborate of Baroque, one example being the high altar.
The moderate subalpine climate of Vienna offers but cold winters and long hot summers. The good time starts at Easter and runs until mid-October, with July and August the hottest months, with temperatures near 30 degrees. The best time to visit the city is in spring and autumn. Winter can also be nice because often the weather is clear and the sun shines often.
On a trip to Vienna, is almost always top the list visits to palaces and museums and enjoy the great cultural offering. Among this, there is always opportunity to learn more about the local culture in many cafes, where you never miss the music, good coffee and delicious pastries. The many green areas and the famous Danube offer good alternatives for outdoor walks. At the heart of Vienna's best shops abound, quite expensive but offer a variety of articles of excellent quality. Auctions of antiques are a constant in a city where you can find real treasures of art, ancient and modern.
All major airlines provide direct flights from several continents. Roads and railways linking Vienna to the rest of Europe. The modern international airport of Vienna, "Wien Schwechat" is little more than 20 km from the city center. The best way to know Vienna is walking, but the city also has excellent public transport network, including buses, trams and metro.
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Tags: Architecture , Art , Artists , Austria , Authenticity , Woods , Capital , European Capital , Castle , Cathedral , Horses , Center , Center City