Vienna is the capital of Austria, and with almost two million people living there, it also ranks as the largest urban center in the nation. Accordingly, Vienna is the main political, intellectual, recreational and cultural center as well. Together with the Alps, all of these highlights draw multitudes of tourists each and every year.
Given that the Hapsburgs reigned over Austria for more than six centuries, an astounding length of time, it comes as no surprise that the influence of this era remains visible today.
What’s more, Vienna has had a significant effect on European history. To cite just one example, in 1815 the leaders of Europe established a new political doctrine during the Congress of Vienna, which was initiated after Napoleon’s defeat. For several generations, however, people have remembered Vienna vividly as the essential location for the classic Orson Welles picture, The Third Man.
Today, Vienna combines ancient and modern elements with ease, making for a marvelous sightseeing trip. The stylish glass facades which stand near St. Stephen's Cathedral don’t look out of place one bit. An easy place to get around on foot, by tram or bus, or even on an underground train, you can’t visit hardly anywhere in town without some interesting museum, architecture or eatery popping up.
While wandering Vienna, you’ll probably hear the music of Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert being played all over the place. Many world-renowned composers either came from Vienna or resided in the city for long periods. Their music represents a major part of Vienna's cultural legacy. The good news is that you don’t have to go to the trouble of seeing the Philharmonic in order to hear some of the great works; in summer, free concerts are performed all around the city’s beautiful parks.
Some of the highlights:
Am Hof is the biggest square in Vienna, and was once host to Roman encampments and Medieval jousts. It is surrounded by beautiful, ancient structures and monuments, such as the Märiensaule, which was constructed in the 17th Century. You’ll also see renowned Collalto Palace here, which is where young Mozart gave his first public performance at the incredibly early age of six.
The Hoher Markt is the city’s oldest market. During Medieval times, it was both a fish and cloth marketplace and a popular gathering place for the purpose of watching executions. Today, the Hoher Markt contains the Nuptial Fountain and Ankerthur, a delightful large clock which connects two buildings to each other. With the passing of each hour, various miniaturized historical figures such as Charlemagne or Maria Theresa march across the clock, with organ music playing in the background.
Zentralfriedhof is Vienna’s enormous graveyard, containing over two million gravesites and memorials, spread out over several hundred acres. Plenty of famous names are buried in this vast expanse, including Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms. As the Viennese have an affinity for stylish burials, Zentralfriedhof holds a wide variety of monuments which range from modest but elegant to those with truly excessive extravagance.
You can also visit the apartment where Sigmund Freud lived and saw his patients before fleeing to London to escape the invading Nazis. The apartment is now occupied by a museum, and exhibits many artifacts of Freud’s possessions, covering the course of his entire life, including letters, books, detailed notes and photographs. There’s also a documentary presentation focusing on his family life, as well, and one interesting aspect is that it is narrated by his daughter Anna, who as an adult became a psychoanalyst herself.
Schönbrunn Palace is a gorgeous summer residence once used by the Imperial Family, and definitely among the top tourist attractions in all of Austria. You can take a tour of the brilliantly-decorated palace, visit the Carriage Museum, or enjoy a show at the theatre. Taking a pleasant stroll through the Baroque Gardens, you’ll be able to access the fountains, faux Roman ruins, a zoo, a tropical greenhouse, and even a butterfly museum.
The Museum of Fine Arts is among the most impressive in the entire continent, as the Habsburgs amassed a wide-ranging collection of art from all over the world. You’ll need more than a single day to see everything here, as the corridors stretch out for a length of over two miles! Also, the Museum of Austrian Medieval Art has a fascinating display of religious-themed art from the Gothic and early Renaissance eras.
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