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In the land of
 The Austrian State Library |
Josefsplatz 1 Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 53 4100 http://www.onb.ac.at |
This structure was built by Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach between 1723 and 1735, according to a design by his father Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Both names represent the highest quality in architecture and the Grand Hall of the National Library is said to be the most beautiful library room in the world. Don't miss visiting Grand Hall, with frescos by Daniel Gran and the historical Reading Room with frescos by Johann Bergl. The National Library's Museum of Globes is also open to the public. To imagine what imperial entertainment such as dances or masquerades were like, take a look into the ballrooms. Such imperial splendour should enjoyed in a calm and relaxed mood. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Smerdon |
 Photo: scope II  |
 Photo: David Bartos |
 Photo: Arpita Bose |
 Photo: Albert Andreu Koning |
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Forget Hofburg and Schönbrunn |
Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27 Vienna, Vienna 1030 Austria +43 1 79 5570 http://www.belvedere.at/ |
The Belvedere comprises two magnificent baroque mansions facing each other across a sloping formal garden. Prince Eugène of Savoy, whose campaigns against the Turks enabled the Habsburg Empire to reclaim Hungary, purchased some land beyond the city walls in 1693, upon which he ordered a park with elaborate water features and fountains to be built. In 1714, the Prince had Lukas von Hildebrandt build the Lower Belvedere for his personal use with its beautiful Marmorsaal (marble hall), the Prunkgalerie and the marvelous Spiegelsaal (mirror hall). In 1721, Hildebrandt started with the construction of the Upper Belvedere, purposely built for the prince's lavish masked balls, receptions and firework displays. The Audienzsaal (reception room), Spiegelkabinett (mirror cabinet), Kunstgalerie (arts gallery), Konferenzsaal (conference hall) and Kaffeezimmer (coffee room) can all be visited today. The complex of the Upper Belvedere now houses one of Austria's most popular galleries (Galerie im Oberen Belvedere) with a huge collection of paintings by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marcel Zollinger |
 Photo: RR Newman |
 Photo: Jenifer May |
 Photo: denvilles_duo |
 Photo: Jenifer May |
 Photo: Zoe Jackson |
 Photo: Shelly Sullivan |
 Photo: Andreas Georghiou |
 Photo: mirkuz |
 Famous café once loved by the city's intellectuals |
Herrengasse / Strauchgasse Vienna A-1010 Austria +43 01 533 376 324 |
Cafe Central is probably the most famous coffeehouse in Vienna, which is saying a lot in a city known for its coffeehouses. At the turn of the century, it was a meeting place for intellectuals such as Victor Adler and Otto Bauer, writer Peter Altenberg and even, Leon Trotsky. After that heydey, it lost popularity and closed for many years. Reopened in 1986 as the Central, its gothic vaults and quality coffee once again brought the back both locals and visitors to see the most architecturally interesting coffeehouse in Vienna. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Serhiy Kozak |
 Photo: blondgeek47 |
 Photo: Michael Simons |
 Photo: Serhiy Kozak |
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Neo-Gothic Ringstrasse building |
Doktor Karl-Lueger-Ring (Rathausplatz) Vienna 1010 Austria |
The new town hall was built from 1872-1883 to replace the old town hall in Wipplingerstrasse; it is unashamedly neo-Gothic in style. The architect, Friedrich von Schmidt, was chosen by the authorities in a competition for the best design. A huge central tower, topped by the three-meter-high statue of a knight in armour with a lance, dominates the front facade. Known affectionately as the "Rathausmann", it was designed by Franz Gastell. The facade's most attractive feature is its lofty loggia with the delicate tracery and curved balconies. The building has seven courtyards, summer concerts are held in the Arkadenhof courtyard and winter's Christmas Market is held at the Rathausplatz. At the top of the first of the two grand staircases is the Festsaal, a ceremonial hall that stretches the length of the building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Th. Wonderka |
 Photo: Maarten Stolte |
 Photo: Valentin Tablan |
 Photo: Alexander E. Yates |
 Photo: Richard Heath |
 Photo: Sarah Kurz |
 Photo: Sarah Kurz |
 Photo: Mike Burzynski |
 Photo: mitra khattri |
 Photo: wanna_ramona |
 Photo: Mike Redding |
 Photo: brian bauer |
 Photo: global trucker |
 Photo: Nick Seretis |
 Photo: Thomas Fuchs |
 Photo: Roger Wong |
 Photo: yanosso |
 Photo: mariadele arcuri |
 Photo: Ashitaka |
 Photo: Rob McCullough |
 Photo: Wolfgang Weghofer |
 Photo: Kai Oherd |
 Photo: Kyle Simourd |
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Former home of the emperor |
Michaelerplatz Vienna 1010 Austria +43 01 533 7570 http://www.hofburg.wien.info |
The huge Hofburg (Court Palace) is the most important secular building in Vienna, once the center of the powerful Habsburg Empire. The old Hofburg, with its many different sections and courtyards, was built (and renovated many times) between the 13th and the early 19th centuries. The Neue Burg (New Palace) was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, despite the dwindling power of the Habsburg Empire. Today, the Hofburg is home to various museums (Völkerkundemuseum, Schatzkammer, Nationalbibliothek, Albertina, Theatermuseum, Prunksaal, Lippizanermuseum, Spanische Hofreitschule and Kaiserappartments) and the library, as well as the offices of the Austrian President. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cortocircuito |
 Photo: Jonathan Khoo |
 Photo: Ryan Hadley |
 Photo: Oliver Regelmann |
 Photo: Ralph |
 Photo: Paul Marrow |
 Photo: Michael 'flip0it' Cigler |
 Photo: Martin Haesemeyer |
 Photo: Jeremy Ladan |
 Photo: Dave Levy |
 War in Vienna |
Esterhazypark Vienna 1060 Austria |
The most durable reminders of World War II in Vienna are undoubtedly the city's gigantic Flaktürme or Flak Towers. Six of these monstrous reinforced concrete edifices, with 5m thick walls capable of holding up to 30,000 troops, are dotted throughout the city. As their demolition is unfeasible, suggestions for alternative uses are constantly being bandied about. The Flakturm in the Esterhazypark has been converted into an aquarium and reptile house and there are plans to place a bar on top. The upper part bears the rather incomprehensible legend "smashed to pieces in the middle of the night" in English and German, the work of American artist Laurence. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris |
 Photo: Marius Watz |
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Old and new in harmony |
Stock im Eisen-Platz 4 Stephansplatz Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 512 9770 (office) http://www.haas-haas.at/ |
Most of those who visit Vienna visit the world famous St.Stephen's Cathedral. The Haas Haus, right opposite the dome, is also well known - you simply cannot miss it! The Austrian architect, Hans Hollein, designed the new structure of the building, formerly used as a furniture and interior decorating store by Philipp Haas & Sons, who gave the building their name. During its planning and construction, the project came under much discussion and scrutiny, which is usual when new architecture is planned in an old part of city centre. A mixture of office and retail, with a café and an expensive (but great) penthouse restaurant has calmed the Viennese folks' ire caused by the cylindrical house with its mirror facade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Caramdir |
 Photo: Martin |
 Photo: Laura Weinkam |
 Photo: Ray Anderson |
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Heroes and villains |
Heldenplatz Vienna 1010 Austria |
Heldenplatz (Heroes Square) will go down in history as the scene of Hitler's speech to hundreds of thousands of cheering Austrians after the 1938 Anchluß or annexation which confirmed Austria as part of the Third Reich. Visit this huge windswept area after dark when the Neue Burg, the last addition to the Hofburg, is illuminated for maximum historic thrills. There are two magnificent equestrian statues of Prince Eugène of Savoy and Archduke Karl. From Heldenplatz there is access to two of Vienna's finest city parks— the Volksgarten and the Burggarten. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adrian Clark |
![Heroes' Square photo by alpha600 [still @f*ick*]](pictures/100654_1.jpg) Photo: alpha600 [still @f*ick*] |
 Photo: Premshree Pillai |
 Photo: Premshree Pillai |
 Photo: Armin Baldemair |
 Photo: Susan Egan Keane |
 Photo: Cesar Pilemyr |
 Photo: Vladimir Rinco |
 Photo: Pascal Auricht |
 Photo: Karen (Lucci) Morris |
 Photo: Sander Shadoff |
 Photo: Engin Cihanoglu |
 Photo: stuart and paul |
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The King of the Waltz |
Stadtpark Vienna 1010 Austria |
Among the numerous tributes to Viennese musicians that are liberally dotted around the Stadtpark, none are as artistically successful or as often photographed as Edmund Hellmer's 1925 Strauß Monument. Dedicated to the "Waltz King," Johann Strauß Junior, this delicate gilded statue perfectly captures the movement of his frenzied violin playing. At night, the illumination shows up the naked nymph-infested stone arch in the background. This is the classic Vienna snapshot - don't go home without one. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lezan |
 Photo: Francisco Goncalves |
 Photo: Soobin Kim |
 Photo: Marcus Woollen |
 Photo: Marcus Ambrosch |
 Photo: Idalí Beltré Acevedo |
 Photo: Karina Tischlinger |
 Photo: groobster |
 Photo: Craig Roberts |
 Photo: Patrick Stough |
 Photo: Martin Overton |
 Photo: schwana |
 Photo: T. E. Watts |
 Photo: Chia-Ying Hsu |
 Photo: apovasi |
 Photo: Ondrej Kavka |
 Photo: together8 |
 Photo: pit_stoeckl |
 Photo: Laurence Lee |
 Photo: Michael O'Hare |
 Photo: Phil Stuart Howgate |
 Photo: MARK WHITFIELD |
 Photo: .:Boggy:. |
 Photo: Erin Reidy |
 Photo: Simon Wong |
 Photo: Martin Goodwin |
 Photo: Katy Ryan |
 Photo: Linda ML Tan |
 Photo: Alastair Mant |
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Home to Mozart |
Singerstrass 7 Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 911 9077 http://www.mozarthaus.at |
The Sale Terrena is the oldest concert hall in Vienna and where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart worked and performed numerous concerts. Decorated with frescos in late Venetian Renaissance style, it remains a premier venue for classical music hosting weekly concerts showcasing famous compositions by Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and Beethoven. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bart Hulsbosch |
 Photo: Josiane Xavier Parre |
 Photo: serendikitty |
 The Museum of Military History |
Arsenalstrasse (Objekt 18) Vienna, Vienna 1030 Austria +43 1 79 5610 http://www.hgm.or.at |
The Museum of Military History lies outside central Vienna and was designed by Theophil Hansen and Ludwig Förster. After the revolution of 1848, Emperor Franz Joseph I built the Arsenal to prevent Vienna's common people getting arms to fight the authorities. Today, visitors to the Arsenal can find a collection of historical memorabilia, arms, flags, uniforms and paintings of battles. These trophies give an overview of the development of Austrian military life since the beginning of the 17th century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Benedikt Wurth |
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Vienna's Big Wheel |
Prater Vienna, Wien 1020 Austria +43 1 7280516 |
Orson Welles's famous speech in the Third Man (comparing the artistic achievements of the degenerate Borgias with Switzerland's 500 years of democracy, culminating in the invention of the cuckoo clock) took place on Vienna's Riesenrad. This epic scene immortalized English engineer Walter Bassett's 19th century big wheel, and now a spin on this splendid creation is an absolute must for all vistors to Vienna. The wheel moves slowly so you can take in the views before descending into the pleasures afforded by the Prater funfair. Not to be missed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin Machatzek |
 Photo: Sinjy |
 Photo: David Harding |
 Photo: Florian |
 Photo: Sarah Louise Baker |
 Photo: Manfred Wiesinger (menphrad) |
 Photo: Sirintira Maneesri |
 Photo: Cara |
 Photo: Dr I Forstenlechner |
 Photo: Rick Beck |
 Photo: Shawn Scharlemann |
 Photo: Michael Eschbaumer |
 Photo: realinfoguy |
 Photo: Christian Baitz |
 Photo: Rosa R |
 Photo: Sébastien Aperghis-Tramoni |
 Photo: Cha già José |
 Photo: James Beard |
 Photo: Andrew Brown |
 Photo: Yves Kaiser |
 Photo: Tim Lancaster |
 Photo: Paul Wallace |
 Photo: austrianApe |
 Photo: Szokoli Kata |
 Photo: khampa_nomad |
 Photo: Tobias Hauser |
 Photo: Peter Bauer |
 Photo: Fabio Costa |
 Photo: N/K/ |
 Photo: heiko@zemljak |
 Photo: KOVACHALL |
 Photo: saschaaa |
 Photo: Matt Laufer |
 Scoop of historic gossip! |
Hofburg Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 533 7570 http://www.hofburg-wien.at/en/... |
This beautiful museum explores the life and history of one of Austria's most well-known empresses - Empress Elisabeth, fondly called 'Sisi'. The museum has six rooms, which contain her personal belongings including her gowns, poems, jewelry and even her diet regimes. As you move on from one room to the next, the story of her life unfolds before you, until you reach the last room, where a portrayal of her assassination in Geneva is disclosed. The museum also exhibits exquisite portraits of the empress when she was around 42 years of age, much after she stopped the media from capturing her photographic images. A visit to the museum is an opportunity to know the actual life led by an empress who was much misunderstood when alive. The cost of the tickets ranges from EUR19 for adults, EUR9.50 for children under 15 and EUR15.50 for students under 25. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: CynnyW |
 Photo: Leigh Doyle |
 Photo: Marta Pekkarinen |
 Photo: p@ndora |
 Photo: Bernardo van de Schepop |
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Romantic baroque quarter |
Siebensterngasse/Burggasse Vienna A-1070 Austria |
Few areas in the Vorstädte (once the suburbs, but now part of the city center) have managed to preserve their original 18th- or 19th-century appearance. The exception is the Spittelberg quarter, a district consisting of half a dozen narrow, cobbled streets between Siebensterngasse and Burggasse. In decline since the late 19th century, the area was saved from demolition in the 1970s. Its baroque and Biedermeier houses were carefully restored and many of the streets pedestrianised. The district makes for a charming walk, particularly on Saturdays when a little craft market is held in the streets around Spittelberggasse. Spittelberg also boasts one of the city's densest concentrations of bars, cafes and restaurants. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Gavin |
 Photo: maya tsai |
 Photo: Brynne Lancaster |
 Photo: Andreas Griesmayr |
 Photo: System One Gang |
 Photo: Dominique Daniel |
 Photo: s.e.janc |
 Photo: Markus Gregory |
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Chimes of the past |
Stephansplatz 3 Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 513 7648 http://www.stephansdom.at/ |
The "Steffl" is arguably one of the world's most enchanting Gothic cathedrals. A 12th-century construction at heart, it was renovated in Gothic style between 1304-1433. Its Northern Tower, standing at a height of 70m, was redesigned according to Renaissance aesthetics in 1579 and the interior was given a baroque slant following the Counter Reformation. St. Stephen's Cathedral's famed bell, the "Pummerin," weighing no less than 21 tons, suffered considerable fire damage in World War II. It has since been repaired and is now used to mark special occasions, such as to ring in the new year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jennifer Wu |
 Photo: Graham Currie |
 Photo: Guy Freeman |
 Photo: Quenby Swinson-Mitch |
 Photo: Rafael Peñaloza |
 Photo: Eric E Yang |
 Photo: Filippo Diotalevi |
 Photo: Martin |
 Photo: Anna James Percival |
 Photo: Andy Bell |
 Photo: Kim Ellis Hakkenberg |
 Photo: Erick Opena-Sydney |
 Photo: Jared Penner |
 Photo: Paul and Dee Garrity |
 Photo: Ed Trillo |
 Photo: Phil Scott |
 Photo: Kevin Kelso |
 Photo: Lauren Charles |
 Photo: HatM |
 Photo: trainer62 |
 Photo: B&L |
 Photo: Matteo Venditti |
 Photo: I'n'T |
 Photo: Chris Simmonds |
 Photo: Aaron M. Landry |
 Photo: p.mittman |
 Photo: Yogi Studio |
 Photo: Florian Greiner |
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Austria's most famous theatre |
Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Ring 2 (Rathausplatz) Vienna A-1010 Austria +43 1 514 44 4140 http://www.burgtheater.at/ |
This theatre, built between 1874 and 1878 by Karl Hasenauer and Gottfried Semper, is one of the most famous in the German-speaking world. "The Burg," as the Viennese have dubbed it, was never just a theatre but also a sacred place where heated debates took place about the function of art and culture. Older people still remember the golden years of actors and actresses like Paula Wessely, Alexander Moissi and Helene Thimig, but modern times sees a diverse program of theatre, concerts and special events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mimuthings |
 Photo: Maria Ismawi |
 Photo: Keith Hatton |
 Photo: Andy Hull |
 Photo: Mackenzie |
 Photo: Milos Radovic |
 Photo: pixelwichtel |
 Photo: Fico della Girandola |
 Photo: Rogerio Marques |
 Photo: Ingmar Collinson |
 Photo: Richard Dinges |
 Photo: Eliézer M. Fonseca |
 Photo: Ljubomir Marković |
 Photo: Peter Koenig |
 Photo: littlepomegranate |
 Photo: Jeff Biedell |
 Photo: Jessica Langlois |
 Photo: Anne Peng |
 Photo: V. Lowell Kimble |
 Photo: Ernst Ihl |
 Photo: Toni Liewehr |
 Photo: Sebastian Schulze |
 Photo: Gerhard Rasocha |
 Photo: Björn |
 Photo: Raul Roncero |
 Photo: Elwyn Brooks |
 Photo: jessedavidweeks |
 Photo: Alexis Rondeau |
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Take a look to the stars |
Uraniastraße 1 Eingang Turmstiege Vienna, Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 71261 9117 http://www.urania-sternwarte.a... |
The Urania Observatory, which is owned by the city of Vienna, was opened in 1910. At the end of World War II its cupola, and with it some instruments, had been destroyed. In 1957 the buidling was opened again. People visiting the Observatory, which is the oldest one in Austria open for public visit, get a comprehensive impression of stars, planets and the moon by watching the firmament through the telescope. Attention: Guided tours only in fair weather. Admission: EUR4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sebastian S. |
 Photo: Peter Steinberg |
 Photo: M Klein |
 Photo: Aleksandra Wojtylak |
 Photo: tom_i47 |
 Photo: Alouisa Garabedian |
 Photo: caspar.sessler |
 Photo: Andrew Chakhoyan |
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Beautiful Vienna Concert Venue |
Johannesgasse 33 Vienna 1010 Austria +43 1 713 21 81 |
Located in the heart of Vienna, this beautiful concert hall was built between 1865 and 1867 in Italian Renaissance style. The Kursalon originally was used as a spa, but soon became a favorite classic musical venue specializing in the Waltz. In fact, 'Waltz King' Johann Strauss' first concert took place here in 1868 and his music continues to live on. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonny Harper |
 Photo: projektleiterin |
 Photo: Lupo |