In what year was the city of wien founded. Spittelau is an unusual plant in Vienna. Scientific institutions and universities

The well-known saying that only Rome and Paris are worthy of each other, and there are no places in the world comparable to them, is not entirely true. After all attractions in austria are in no way inferior to Italian and French beauties. Picturesque alpine nature, ancient castles, different cities. But the palaces, parks, streets are most impressive. Vienna - the capital of Austria and, first of all, the famous “ring”, from where acquaintance with the city usually begins.In the 13th-14th centuries, there were fortress walls here that protected Vienna from the attacks of the Turks. But time passed, the political situation changed, the city grew. And in 1857, by decree of Emperor Franz Joseph I, it was ordered to demolish the wall and lay a boulevard in its place, and build buildings along it. Such a complex was conceived as a symbol of the greatness of the powerful Habsburg dynasty, which ruled almost all of Europe for almost 7 centuries. And this plan became a reality.

Ringstrasse - a street around the historic center of Vienna

Now along the Ringstrasse, more like a horseshoe than a ring, trams ride tourists. The 5-kilometer route gives you the opportunity to see the city park, the building of the Austrian Parliament, the town hall, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Vienna Opera and many other monuments of architecture and history.

The building of the Austrian Parliament was built in just 9 years, it housed the Chamber of Deputies during the Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy. After the fall of the Habsburg dynasty in 1918, the National and Federal Councils of the Austrian Parliament still work here.

The building was built in neo-Greek style, its main attraction is sculptural composition Pallas Athens and allegorical figures symbolizing the 4 most important rivers of Austria-Hungary: the Danube, Vltava, Inn and Elbe.

But the Vienna City Hall was built longer - from 1872 to 1883. During this period the capital of Austria grew rapidly, connecting with the suburbs. The population increased, and the administrative apparatus was added, which became cramped in the former Old Town Hall. The municipality decided to build a new building on the site of Glacis Square, where military parades used to be held. This caused dissatisfaction with the royal authorities, but in the end the parties managed to agree, and new town hall was built.

The style of the building was chosen neo-Gothic in memory of the medieval Flemish town halls. At the top of its tower, a sculpture of a guard in the form of a standard-bearer was installed, which guards the peace of the townspeople.

But not only on the Ringstrasse there are masterpieces of architecture, no less magnificent museums in Vienna And palace ensembles located in other parts of the city.

Schönbrunn - a masterpiece of the Austrian baroque

A masterpiece of the Austrian Baroque, Schönbrunn is often called the main summer residence of the Habsburgs.

Now it is located 5 km from the city center, but in the 14th century there was a modest Katterburg estate, which belonged to the church, with a small house, a stable and a garden. In 1569, this place, with its pristine beauty and hunting grounds, attracted the attention of the Habsburgs, who built a castle here and in 1612 renamed it Schönbrunn (beautiful springs). INIn 1683 the castle was destroyed by the Turks. Emperor Leopold I decided to build a magnificent palace on the site of the ruins, modeled on Versailles. The work lasted intermittently for more than half a century, but they intensified during the reign of Maria Theresa, who turned Schönbrunn into key place political life of the empire.Her husband Franz I set up a menagerie near the palace, which later became the famous zoo, the oldest in the world. He also bought the land to the west of the park, and founded greenhouses there with outlandish plants brought from the colonies.After the death of Maria Theresa, the importance of Schönbrunn declined somewhat, and it was used only as a summer imperial residence.Franz Josef returned the former grandeur to this park and palace ensemble. He was born in Schönbrunn, loved it, developed and improved it.

The first mention of the Hofburg castle dates back to 1279. After coming to power, the Habsburgs constantly reconstructed and rebuilt the castle. Each of the emperors considered it his duty to expand this territory.They bought neighboring plots, demolished buildings on them and erected new palace buildings. The result is a completely asymmetrical complex, consisting of 19 different palaces and buildings and representing a mixture of many architectural styles. Here you can see Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Empire. WITHThe oldest building is the Swiss Courtyard, which houses the repository of imperial treasures and the Gothic Chapel, founded in the 15th century. The famous Vienna Boys Choir sings in the chapel.In the Spanish Arena, as before, the famous Lipizzan horses perform, which are born dark and gradually brighten during the first 10 years of life. Despite their impressive size, they are excellently trained and trained in the most difficult tricks.

The new Castle, built in the neo-Empire style, is not inferior in pomposity to its more ancient counterparts,

but there is a black page in his history. From the balcony of the New Castle on March 15, 1938, Hitler announced the "Anschluss". On the surviving old photo of Vienna, Austria froze at that moment in a Nazi salute. In 1945, it was time for retribution. The city was significantly damaged by the bombing of allied aircraft, and then it took a long time to restore everything.Austria learned a lesson from the experience of World War II and repented. And on the balcony of the New Castle desecrated by the possessed Fuhrer, no more politicians come out for public speeches.

Belvedere - small Versailles in the capital of Austria

The Belvedere was built summer residence Austro-Hungarian commander Eugene of Savoy.

First, the Lower Belvedere was erected (1714-1716). In this palace were the private quarters of the prince. A luxurious Marble Hall, a state bedroom, a grotesque hall and a marble gallery were built. The Lower Belvedere includes palace stables and a rich greenhouse.The Upper Belvedere was built 6 years later as the representative residence of the prince.After the death of Eugene of Savoy, the palace complex was bought by Maria Theresa, who continued its arrangement. At her direction, the imperial collection of paintings was transferred to the Upper Belvedere, and in 1781 one of the world's first public museums was opened there.Both palaces are surrounded by the first alpine garden in Europe, where compositions of trees, shrubs, hedges, fountains and sculptures are created. This fabulous garden is home to over 4,000 alpine plants that, blooming at different times, create original patterns on the lawns.

Spittelau - an unusual plant in Vienna

The Viennese love their city and take care of its ecology thoroughly and creatively. Well-groomed green spaces, impeccably clean streets are located not only in the historical part of the city, but also on the outskirts. Multi-colored containers for the separate collection of municipal solid waste have long been no longer confusing: from childhood, Austrians are taught to sort garbage.Plastic, paper, metal are recycled, the rest is burned at the Spittelau plant. This brainchild of the architect Hundertwasser is located near the center of Vienna, and it is certainly shown to tourists. A fabulous palace with colorful walls, a chimney and a “cap” on the roof is not only a landmark of the capital of Austria, but also a source of pride for its inhabitants.

Combustion products do not enter the atmosphere due to multi-stage cleaning, and steam, not smoke, comes out of the pipe. The resulting thermal energy heats the largest hospital in Vienna, the university buildings, the building of the police headquarters and more than 50,000 apartments.

Here it is, beautiful, well-groomed, practical and many-sided European capital Vienna reviews about its palaces, parks, boulevards make the hearts of millions of travelers tremble.

Vein Just amazing city . I went here to Honeymoon. There are a lot of interesting sights, luxurious residences of the august persons and nobles, big parks and the residents of this city are very friendly. I hope that someday I will be able to visit Vienna.

Where is Vienna

Vienna is located in Austria. This city is one of the most ancient cities not only throughout Europe, but also peace. Vienna is indeed one of the most interesting world capitals.

It is located in Eastern part of the country(on the banks of the Danube, at the foot of the Alps). Lives here almost two million peopleTo. The area of ​​this city is 415 km².

Localities that are nearby:

• Baden;
• Stockerau;
• Krems on the Danube;
• Trismauer.

The atmosphere of Vienna cannot be expressed in words, it needs to be felt, as they say in your own skin. But before you go here, find out about it Interesting Facts:

• I think a lot of people have heard about viennese score. This event takes place annually. Tickets are selling like hot cakes and are not cheap. from 200 to 20000 Euro. Plus here also the cost of preparing for this event.
• There is no need here buy bottled water. You can drink straight from the tap. Water in the city water supply comes from Alps.
• Five years ago, Vienna was recognized "the best city to live". Two hundred and twenty cities fought for this title.
• If you go over a little with alcohol in the Viennese bars, then it's okay. Everywhere they stand sobering machines. You need to approach him, throw a coin, turn your nose and they will pour in there vapors of ammonia. And that's it, you're sober again.

So what I liked the most about Vienna Opera. I advise you to visit there. Go to category B performance, at least the tickets for it are not so expensive.

I was also able to visit Schönbrunn Zoo. He's just huge. The zoo is very clean, well-groomed enclosures, and most importantly large, especially for elephants and various predators. I was here for the first time in my life to see panda. Cute animal.

Ah, this Vienna! A musical symphony, in the lanes of which the famous waltzes and sonatas were born. The sights of this city amaze with their diversity, photos taken by tourists captivate with their beauty. Here, every street is saturated with overflows of notes. The joyful chords of everyday life are replaced by the majestic organ of palaces and cathedrals - a symbol of eternity. But the Austrian capital is not only famous for this, it seems that all the famous masterpieces are collected in this country.

Vienna is a city that captivates at first sight. Let's take a trip to the most popular places and look at the stunning sights of the capital. And our photos will help with this.

Hofburg - the restless heart of the capital of Austria

Vienna has long been considered the capital of luxury. Everything here is amazing. Let's start with the Hofburg. It is rightly called the heart of Vienna. Once it was one of the most luxurious residences of the Habsburg imperial house. She was famous not only in Austria, but also in other countries. Today, this attraction includes a chapel known for its boys' choir, a treasury with a royal crown, and several museums. Among the places worth visiting is the arena with dancing horses. You can see and appreciate all the advantages of the castle in the presented photo.

Silent witnesses of the past: Plague column in the center of the Austrian capital

Like many European cities Vienna was hit by a plague in 1679. Leopold I, Emperor of Austria, leaving the city to avoid contracting a deadly disease, vows to erect a column of mercy immediately after the end of the epidemic. Already in the same year, the Plague Pillar was consecrated. True, it was made of wood.

Today, the architectural composition exists in marble and is a Baroque dramatization that colorfully conveys the events that once took place in Vienna. You can see this historical miracle in our photo. This column is one of the symbols of Austria.

Vienna House of Sounding Tales

Speaking of Austria, it is impossible not to recall the Vienna Opera. Its importance for the country and for the whole world cannot be overestimated. After all, Vienna is the city where such luminaries of musical art as Vivaldi and Brahms, Beethoven and Mozart worked. The Opera House is one of those places that you should definitely visit. The history of the construction of the opera is quite sad. The architects who built it took samples of the French Renaissance as a basis, but the inhabitants of Austria did not appreciate their talent. Our photo of the Opera building gives you the opportunity to see the progressive and aesthetic ideas that were implemented by two talented architects during the construction process.

Listen to the immortal melody of the Tales of the Vienna Woods. Isn't it true that it circles and carries away into the distance - to where the aromas of flowers, the murmur of streams and eternal spring?

When visiting Vienna Opera select a performance category. If you just want to look at the musical masterpieces of the country from the inside, choose class "C" performances, as the prices for them are quite reasonable. If you are a lover of classical music, category "B" is suitable for you. And for real connoisseurs of opera there is a category "A". There you will see not only the latest news, but also be able to listen to world stars.

Sophisticated Vienna with luxurious Schönbrunn gardens

Austria with its palaces and castles has long been the talk of the town for the European community. But one of the most famous is Schönbrunn, which is under the protection of UNESCO. You can get acquainted with this miracle by looking at our photos. These are their name Beautiful places received from a source discovered by Kaiser Matthias during a hunt. You can admire the crystal clear spring even today. The palace complex itself contains about one and a half thousand rooms, but the most interesting of them are state rooms.

The famous Wagenbut carriage museum is also located there, where you can admire the paintings of horses, as well as see the equipment and clothing for riding. Walking through the luxurious gardens of Schönbrunn, be sure to visit the Gloriette Pavilion and look into the summer marble house. Even the highest quality photos will not be able to convey all that living sophistication and sophistication that can be seen with your own eyes.

Have you been dreaming of learning more about Austria for a long time? See the places that are calling card Vienna? Our photos and videos will help you get to know them in absentia.

But in order to feel the breath of the Viennese streets, feel the whole flavor of Austria, visit the beautiful and memorable places, to appreciate the sights, it is worth coming to this amazingly incomprehensible country, where the wind itself will play a welcoming symphony on the harp of Aeolus.

Vienna is the federal capital of Austria and at the same time one of the nine federal states of Austria, surrounded on all sides by the territory of another land - Lower Austria. Located in the eastern part of the country. The population of Vienna is 1.68 million (mid-2008); together with the suburbs - about 2.3 million (more than 25% of the population of Austria), and thus Vienna is the largest city in Austria in terms of population, while ranking ninth among the largest cities European Union. Coordinates: 48°13′00″ s. sh. 16°22′24″ in. e. Time zone: UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer. Telephone code: +43 1. Postal codes: 1010-1239, 1400, 1450.

Vienna Map

History of Vienna

In the 9th century, the Carolingians came to the city, who built the castle and the church of St. Ruprecht (still preserved). With their arrival, the number of houses and, accordingly, the population increases. The first written mention of the city also dates back to the 9th century. In the 12th century, Vienna became the seat of the Babenbergs (Austrian dukes). Representatives of this genus built buildings of cultural and religious significance. Since 1278, the Habsburg dynasty ruled in Vienna. In 1469 a bishopric was established in the city.

In 1529, the inhabitants of Vienna repeatedly suffered from attacks by the Turks, but still won. 1679 was a fatal year for the city. Because of the plague, the population of Vienna was reduced by a third. In 1693, the Plague Column was erected in memory of the dead. Misfortune befell the city for the second time in 30 years. In 1713, a new outbreak of the plague arose, claiming tens of thousands of lives.

From the 16th century, a new stage began in the political life of the city. Vienna becomes the capital. In the 18th century, the industrial revolution swept the city. And since the 19th century, the sphere of culture and art began to develop rapidly in Vienna. By the beginning of the 20th century, the capital had become one of the largest cities in the world with a population of over 2 million people. But the world wars had a very negative impact on Vienna. Only in the 70s mass construction and reconstruction of the capital began.

Vienna today

The city has a network of high-speed trains, metro, tram and bus lines.

Sights of Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace (XVIII century) is located in picturesque place among beautiful gardens. The tourist will be able to appreciate the charm royal rooms, created in the Baroque and Rococo styles, look at the famous frescoes of the Grand Gallery and the Hall of Mirrors. Near the palace there is the world's oldest zoo (1752) and the Orangery, where you can listen to classical music in the summer.

In Vienna, there is the Belvedere Palace (XVIII), which consists of two rococo mansions. The palace was erected by Prince Eugene of Savoy. Currently, the buildings of the palace are well-known art galleries, where paintings by Klimt, Renoir, Schiele and Kokoschka, Monet are kept.

Another attraction of the city is the Hofburg Palace. Today, the Hofburg is the residence of the President of Austria. Of particular interest within the palace are museums with collections from the Habsburg dynasty, the State Halls, the Augustinian Church of the XIV century, the National Library, the Imperial Chapel. By the way, according to tradition, since 1498, a boys' choir has been performing in the chapel every Sunday.

Famous all over the world is the Vienna State Opera (XVIII century). The opera is very popular among both local and visiting people. Seating tickets are almost impossible to get.

Among other famous sights of the city: St. Stephen's Cathedral (XII century), Prater Park, Museum Quarter, Museum of Fine Arts, Spanish Riding School, Music House, Hundertwasser House.

Vienna is the capital of Austria, one of the seven largest metropolitan areas of the European Union, a beautiful city that has survived many centuries of history and has become a recognized center of culture and art. The first thing that comes to mind when mentioning the name is opera stages, classical music, unprecedented architecture, endless expanses of green parks. Vienna is rich in sights from ancient times, modern exhibitions, clubs and boutiques, historical art collections and cutting-edge technology. This Austrian city, which was once the capital of the Roman Empire of the Germans, harmoniously combines antiquity and innovation, strict canons of Catholicism and cheeky youth parties. Tourist Vienna attractive at any time of the year, as it can always offer guests amazing adventures and unforgettable experiences. see everything notable places it will not work at once, and the unforgettable atmosphere will attract tourists again and again.

Geography of the Austrian capital

Vienna is located on the picturesque banks of the Danube in the foothills of the Alps, combining an unusual elevated relief and riverine plains, and at the same time, within the city, the elevation difference is not so big - only about 400 meters. The most high part is located in the Germanskogel region, and the lowest is Lobau. The development of Vienna runs along the two banks of the Danube, and the famous Vienna Woods surrounds the city. Historically built up South part capital, but with the need to increase living space, the authorities are slowly expanding to the north. In shape, Vienna resembles a circle, crossed by the Danube, a parallel canal and a small river of the same name "Vienna". This arrangement allows you to concentrate all the most interesting places in a fairly small area, and the trip from one end of the city to the other does not take much time. Despite the rather small area, only 415 square kilometers, Vienna is divided into 23 districts, most of which were created historically, after various restructurings of the city, during expansion or restoration. The time zone of the Austrian capital is within UTC + 1, in the summer UTC + 2.

Climate

The weather in the Austrian capital is moderate, the climate is continental, with a distinct division into seasons. Vienna is believed to be sunny city where clear days prevail and it is always warm, even in winter. Summer is long, dry and hot - the proximity of the mountains affects - it lasts from mid-May to the last ten days of September. The air temperature is kept within + 20 ° C, but sometimes it reaches + 36 ° C, but this happens quite rarely. Autumn in Vienna is a period of beauty and splendor, lasting from the end of September to the end of November, with a rather smooth transition into winter. Precipitation during this period is not very much, so heat returns are frequent, and the weather is generally dry and pleasant. The winter period - from the last ten days of November to the end of February - is famous for its comfortable weather, rare drops and almost stable temperatures from +1°С to -6°С. There are temporary cooling down to -18 ° C and heavy snowfalls - again, thanks to the proximity of the Alps and the Danube. Spring warming begins in March and gradually turns into summer in May. This is one of the most unpredictable periods of the year in Vienna. The weather often changes - from almost summer heat during the day, to real winter frosts. In the spring there is a large amount of precipitation.

When to go to Vienna?

It is not difficult to choose any time of the year to visit Vienna, because here every season is especially beautiful. A significant share is played by the abundance of green areas within the city, as well as the only operating vineyards in Europe within the capital. Let's not forget the proximity of the mountains and the magnificent Danube. Winter is a time of magic and New Year's holidays - when fairs bloom all over Vienna. Usually there is little snow in the Austrian capital, and therefore it is quite comfortable in winter for visiting sights, walking along the river, participating in carnivals and entertainment. In spring, the city comes to life and is transformed by hundreds of flowering plants - a time of love and romance, which is felt in every corner of the ancient Austrian capital. Summer is the classic travel season, but Vienna has something to offer wonderful holiday on the beaches of the Danube and along small lakes, picnics in parks and nature reserves. The hot summer months do not feel the same as in the southern latitudes. Autumn months - grape harvest, shopping discounts, gold and amber in tree leaves. In Vienna, this poetic time is most deeply felt, with warm weather- sometimes you can wear a sweater until mid-October - and unforgettable impressions from gatherings in cozy cafes.

History and development

The heroic history of Vienna dates back to the time of the Roman Empire, when in the 1st century AD, an outpost of the 15th legion called Vindobon was founded, protecting the possessions of Rome from eastern tribes. After the Romans left these places, several Slavic settlements were located on the territory of the fortress, reflected in today's names of the city's districts - for example, Währing and Döbling. Most of the later buildings clearly testify to the Roman beginning - the materials were used for the construction of later buildings, and archaeological research find more and more new samples of the craft of that time. A new round of history was created by the famous Carolingians, who founded a fortress in the 9th century on the site of a dilapidated Roman outpost and formed the Ostmark (Eastern Mark) - a territory designed to protect the borders great empire from the raids of the eastern tribes. the only cultural object of that time was the Church of St. Ruprecht, which has survived to this day. The fortress repelled numerous raids of various peoples - so there is a record that in 881 a battle with the Hungarians took place. Until the 12th century, Vienna remained a remote provincial settlement, rather a military garrison under various military leaders, until it became the official seat of the Babenberg ducal dynasty. During this period, many religious, economic and industrial buildings were erected, and the defensive fortress was strengthened. In 1278, Vienna and the entire Ostmark was transferred to the Habsburg dynasty, whose stronghold it remained until the collapse of the Austrian Empire. Here are just some significant dates from the history of the Austrian capital:

• 1529 - unsuccessful siege of Vienna by Turkish troops. After defeat Ottoman Empire began its decline and the cessation of expansion into Europe.
• 1679 and 1713 - two plague epidemics that claimed the lives of a huge number of people. In honor of such events, the Plague Column and the Karlskirche were erected.
• 16th century - Vienna becomes the capital of the Austrian Habsburgs and their huge multinational possessions. At the same time, it almost constantly retains the status of the capital of the Holy Roman Empire of the German people.
• The 18th century - the rapid development of industry, the production of textiles and luxury goods, the time to support talented people. Since this century, Vienna has become a center of culture and arts, especially music.
• 1805 and 1809 - the capture of Vienna by Napoleonic troops. After the defeat of the French, it was in Vienna that a peace congress took place, which for many years determined the boundaries of what was then Europe.
• 19th and early 20th century - the rapid development of all areas of art - artists, singers, musicians were welcome guests at the court of the Habsburgs. Industrial development is not lagging behind.

After the end of the First World War, Austria loses its position in Europe, and with them Vienna ceases to be one of the largest cities on the continent. In the period between the wars, the Austrian capital is not so much in decline as some kind of stagnation, which is not remarkable for any changes. The Anschluss of Austria by the Third Reich led to the fact that Vienna became part of the new empire, where modern autobahns and railway lines stretched. On April 13, 1945, Vienna was liberated from the Nazi invaders and came under the control of the Allies. After the signing of the act of unification and neutrality, Austria united within its historical borders and began to develop intensively. In the post-war years, all historical monuments were restored, and the Austrian capital became the third city in the world where the administrative offices of the UN and some other international organizations are located. Modern history Vienna passes under the influence of Germany and with the constant introduction of the latest technologies that can be found everywhere in the city.

Sights of Vienna

• One of the main attractions of Vienna is the world-famous Vienna Opera House. This building is associated with a tragic history. It was built in 1869 and the Viennese did not accept it. Emperor Franz Joseph I did not like him either. And the architect, unable to withstand criticism, laid hands on himself. But, time passed and, as often happens, the Viennese fell in love with the theater. Now they are proud to say that this is one of the greatest theaters in the world. The picturesque building combines elements of the Venetian and french gothic, as well as the Florentine Renaissance and Classicism. The opera opened its doors to visitors for the first time in 1869 with the performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni.
• Behind the opera is the Albertinaplatz square with the monument Against War and Fascism by sculptor Alfred Hrdlichka, erected here in 1988. The townspeople treat him ambiguously. Also, on the square you can see decorative fountains.
• Another famous Viennese landmark is Cafe Central. Here you can order a cup of coffee and sit all day and no one will drive you out of here - these are the rules. The status of a cafe is determined by the number of newspapers that are in it and the more there are, the more respectable the establishment. This popular Viennese coffee house opened in 1876 and has become the main meeting place for cultural Vienna.
• In 1679, the plague fell on the city. Of the hundred thousand people who then inhabited Vienna, every third died. On the Graben pedestrian street, the Pestzoule "Plague Column" rises in memory of a long-standing tragedy.
• The Karlskirche is Austria's most beautiful baroque church, the last work of Fischer von Erlach, completed by his son after the death of the great architect. The construction was completed under Charles VI after the end of the plague. He named it after Saint Charles. A huge dome, two twisted columns and a portico, reminiscent of an ancient Greek temple, make a special impression on visitors.
• The construction of the Burgtheater began in 1874 according to the design of Semper and Hassenauer. When the theater was opened, the most modern, at that time, lighting was installed in it. Thanks to a unique ventilation system, air with the smell of flowers from the nearby park, where lilacs bloom in spring and roses in summer, enters the theater.
• In Vienna there is a monument to Soviet soldiers who died during the liberation of Vienna from Nazi invaders. Only 52 names of our soldiers are carved here, and in total 17 thousand Red Army soldiers died in the battle for Vienna. And these 17 thousand saved Vienna from destruction, because the battle Soviet soldiers outside the city prevented a massive bombardment of Vienna.
• The Vienna City Hall was built in 1883 in the Neo-Gothic style by the architect Friedrich von Schmidt, who built the Cologne Cathedral. The Town Hall is still one of the most interesting sights. A knight stands at the top of an almost 100 meter high tower. Now the town hall serves as the residence of the burgomaster of Vienna. Also, many exhibitions are held in the halls of the town hall, and sports and charity events are held on the street near the building, as well as a large Christmas market. As in most German cities, the famous Rathaus restaurant is located in the basement of the town hall.

• The Votivkirche is so big that people who do not know Vienna might think that they are standing in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Once upon a time, an assassination attempt on Emperor Franz Joseph I took place on this site. The emperor's brother, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, swore that if his brother survived, he would build a temple here. He didn't have to spend much of his own money as he asked citizens to donate funds for the construction work. The foundation stones were brought from the Garden of Gethsemane. Votivkirche was built according to a project based on the drawings of the temple of France. Despite the fact that the church was built hundreds of years after the end of the Gothic period, it is one of the most beautiful representatives of this style. The towers are 99 meters high and are protected by the patron saint of the monarchy.
• In each European capital there are streets of stylish shops. In Vienna, this street is called Carter Strasse. At this place, back in the days of Vindobona (the ancient Roman settlement), there was a road leading to Carinthia. Houses along the road were constantly rebuilt and updated under the influence of fashion.
• Secession House - a building with a large golden ball on top, which was built in 1898 to present to the public a new style. The gilded decorated houses of the nearby square were built in the same style. The most famous masters of the Vienna Secession are Gustav Klimt, Joseph Olbrich and Otto von Wagner. The word secession means exodus. At the end of the 19th century, young representatives of the arts, who wanted something new, left the academy of arts and organized independent, more receptive to the trends of the times, groups.
• The chapel of the central cemetery, named after the former mayor Dr. Karl Lueger, is one of the most important works of the Austrian Secession. Famous representatives of the art world are buried here, including musicians and writers such as Franz Werfel, Johann Strauss Jr., Schubert, Franz von Suppe, Brahms and Beethoven.
• The cemetery of Saint Mark is very old. People were buried here during the plague of 1452. On it you can find the tombstone of the greatest Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
• Belvedere Palace was built in Baroque style for Prince Eugene of Savoy. It is considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. At the beginning of the 20th century, the heir to the throne, Archduke Frans Ferdinand, lived here, who was shot dead in Sarajevo, which served as a formal reason for the outbreak of the First World War. IN art gallery The palace exhibits the most famous paintings by Gustav Klimt.

• The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is built opposite the Natural History Museum. These two museums are among the largest museums in Austria and one of the major museums peace. In addition, by appearance they are absolutely identical. You can spend the whole day in two huge museums. There you can find works by Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Tintoretto, Veronese, Titian and Velasquez. In addition to the gallery, there is an Egyptian collection, ancient collections and an exhibition of applied arts. The most famous exhibit of the Natural History Museum is the Venus of Willendorf, which was found near Vienna. A clay figurine of a fat woman testifies that the ideal of female beauty of ancient times did not quite converge with the modern one. The park between the two buildings is named after Maria Theresa of Austria. In it you can find three groups of statues, one of which has a fountain. Another group of statues depicts men holding wild horses. The park is planted mainly with Christmas trees.
• The Maria Theresa monument was built according to two award-winning projects. The twenty meter high monument is the work of Carl von Hasenauer and Caspar von Zumbusch. The Empress is depicted in her everyday surroundings - chancellors, advisers and ministers stand nearby, as well as generals and representatives of the art world. At the foot of the throne are allegorical figures of wisdom, strength, justice and patience, which complement the already overly decorated monument.
• In the center of Vienna is the architectural scandal "Haas Haus". The owner of this building is a millionaire, and a researcher by profession sea ​​depths. The building is in absolute contrast to the historical monuments in the center of the old town. It was originally conceived as a department store.
• There is another "scandal" - whose name is "Hundertwasser House". In fact, this is the name of the architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who settled in this rather boring area at that time. Once this artist was feared like fire, however, he was able to convince the city government and he was allowed to build such an extraordinary residential building. In the construction of the building, only natural materials were used - brick, tile and wood. This architect is called the Austrian Gaudi. He is "green" by conviction, that is, a defender environment. Its architectural concept combines nature and man. He built this house in 1985. Out of respect for the residents, the house is only allowed to be viewed from the outside. Another interesting brainchild of this architect is the trade and exhibition center "Hundertwasser Village" ("Hundertwasser Village"). It was built in the same style as the Hundertwasser House. Inside the center there are cafes, shops and souvenir shops.

• Another Viennese project of Friedensreich Hundertwasser is an incineration plant. There are not many cities in the world that can boast of such an attraction. The plant is fully loaded with work: every 30 seconds, its bowels absorb a whole car of garbage. But, the building of the plant itself and the administrative complex are quite friendly and even pretty. The chimney of the plant, not without subtle humor, is decorated with a golden ball and on top - the author's cap as a greeting and a wish to rejoice at everything that exists on Earth, even if it is a garbage plant.
• Vienna City Park (Stadtpark). This oasis in the middle of a big city makes you want to look at least for a while. In this park stands the most beautiful monument in Vienna to Johann Strauss, the king of the waltz. His unforgettable melodies delight the whole world.
• Heroes' Square (Heldenplatz) once hosted ceremonial parades, and today fiacres line up in a solemn line. Fiacres are an integral part of the Viennese landscape. They appeared in Vienna in the 17th century, and the horse is still an equal participant in the movement. In total, there are about 150 fiacres in Vienna, and you can only become a carter by inheritance. Fiacres used to be used as taxis, but today they carry tourists for city tours. There is even a wagon museum in the city, which contains the most beautiful exhibits from the last 100 years.
• In the museum of Roman times, you can see the artifacts of the former Vindobona. The Roman army captured the mouth of Vienna in the 15th century and founded the city of Vindobona at the confluence of the Danube and Vienna. Around the year 180, the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius died here of the plague.
• The once famous Hotel Sacher was a meeting place for European nobility. The owner of the hotel, Madame Anna, asked the famous guests to leave their signatures on the white tablecloth, which she then sheathed. Also, the famous Sacher cake was born here, which was baked according to a secret recipe with the addition of cocoa, apricot jam and chocolate icing.
• Cake "Sacher" is also a Viennese attraction. It was first baked in the 18th century. Arranging a reception, the then Austrian Chancellor Metternich promised the guests to treat them with an unusual dessert. But a sudden illness knocked down the chief cook. The court culinary specialist, 16-year-old Franz Sacher, volunteered to replace him. The guests appreciated the novelty: a cake made of chocolate cakes smeared with chocolate icing. After that, the cake was named after its creator.

Events and festivals

A rich history and a variety of events could not but affect the life of Vienna, which is seething almost all year round, various events are replaced, new traditions are introduced. Tourists will be interested in visiting the Austrian capital during various celebrations, when the city and all the people in it are transformed. The most significant events and festivals in Vienna:

• figure skating season outdoor ice rink near the Town Hall - from the end of November until March;
• Viennese balls - more than 300 balls of various directions take place in Vienna until the end of Shrove Tuesday. The most famous is the Imperial Ball at the Hofburg;
• throughout the winter there are daily classical music concerts in Kursalon, opened with a New Year's performance on January 1;
• in February, the International Accordion Festival starts and Gourmet Restaurant Week takes place;
• in March, a competition for young vocalists is held;
• throughout the winter, galleries host exhibitions of antiques, traditional and contemporary art;
• in April, the largest cycling festival starts, and Easter celebrations begin - the Wine Fair, the Easter market in Schönbrun, the Osterklang Easter concerts;
• April and May are famous for their exhibitions, classical music concerts and, of course, balls;
• Summer in Vienna kicks off with the Jazz Festival in June. In the same month, the open-air festival on the Danube Island, the Vienna Architecture Biennale, Night open churches June 10th;
• from July to September the Festival of Musical Films takes place;
• June-October - summer fun in the Museum Quarter;
• from September to October, a large-scale festival "Austrian Oktoberfest" is held;
• in September, the Vienna Fashion Week takes place, where much attention is paid to young and promising designers;
• from the end of October to the beginning of November, the Vienna Film Festival takes place, which attracts many young people. Among the premieres there are traditionally many innovative films created by young masters, non-trivial screenings, various retrospectives;
• fairs and festivals dedicated to young wines are held in autumn;
• from November 11 to Christmas - the holidays of the goose, timed to coincide with the day of St. Martin. All restaurants serve roast goose with new vintage wines;
• December is famous for Christmas and New Year's fairs, concerts and large-scale festivals taking place in palaces and squares.

And these are only those events that are annual and traditional, but there are hundreds of other events dedicated to a particular date, anniversary or memorial day. It is almost impossible to list everything that happens in Vienna during the year - arriving at any time, a tourist will get to some festival or ball, concert or exhibition.

Restaurants and cafes

Like all European cities, Vienna is rich in a variety of catering establishments, from budget to exclusive. In the city, you can try absolutely any cuisine of the world - from French to Japanese - narrowly focused restaurants and cafes are found almost throughout the city. Naturally, there are also world-famous fast food chains, small restaurants and cafes with street food. But people don't go to Vienna to try sushi or frog legs. The culinary history of the city is so rich that it would be a sin not to try everything that the chefs of the Austrian capital have to offer:

• Pastries and cakes are the most famous symbols of Vienna. It was here that desserts such as Sacher were invented (variants from the Sacher and Demel cafes, which are still arguing about who invented it first); Viennese waffles and buns; candies.
• Meat - the famous schnitzels, baked geese, Viennese sausages, goulash.
• Unforgettable Viennese coffee is a traditional drink that has been around for many centuries. There are a lot of coffee houses in the Austrian capital (more than 1700 establishments), and each has its own own way preparation of aromatic drink.
• Strudel - for the sake of it alone you need to go to Vienna to try what a real delicacy is with whipped cream and powdered sugar.

Vienna is a paradise for lovers of sweets and high-calorie - dozens of pastry shops and cafes are ready to offer hundreds of different options for desserts, for every taste and wishes. The most popular historical establishments are also Café Central with a rich history and classic interior, Marchfelderhof with preserved interior and rich menu. In addition, Vienna has dozens of beer pubs and wine restaurants, ice cream parlors and family establishments with original or traditional cuisine. Former capital The great empire adopted elements of Italian, Hungarian, Czech cuisine into its cuisine and adapted them to its needs - hearty and not pompous main dishes, created in order to eat deliciously. But they are not without charm and historical flair. Perhaps, there are almost as many restaurants and cafes in Vienna as sights or art galleries.

shopping

A cosmopolitan capital with a youthful look, despite centuries of history, is ready to offer the most amazing and exciting shopping experience in Europe. famous street Mariavielcherstrasse, which runs from the station to the old town, as well as the Golden Quarter, is the center of expensive boutiques, craft shops, stock centers and small ateliers. In Vienna, you can buy almost anything. Fashion stores offer luxury clothes, shoes, watches, toys; fairs allow you to find original things and even antiques; flea markets on the squares you will be able to buy authentic Viennese souvenirs. In Vienna, you can buy high-quality watches that are not inferior in popularity to Swiss ones, clothes of local young designers, porcelain dishes, famous dolls, or order things from companies that used to sew the imperial family in the old days. In addition to chain stores, the Austrian capital is famous for small souvenir shops that create unique handmade items:

• enamel jewelry, dishes with reproductions of Klimt, cow bells and Tyrolean hats;
• cakes and pastries, sweets and candied violets;
• traditional clothes and shoes;
• Swarovski jewelry;
• young and aged wines such as Riesling and Gewürztamüner;
• Viennese schnapps;
• the figurine of a white horse is one of the symbols of Vienna, where there is an individual museum of the Lipizzan breed of horses and performances with their participation are constantly held.

A distinctive feature of shopping in Vienna is the VAT refund on saved checks, which is due to everyone who is not a citizen of the European Union. So tourists can save on their purchases and gifts.

How to get to Vienna?

More than 60 airlines fly to Vienna, as the city is located in the center of Europe and is one of the most important transit hubs. Air travel is the most attractive, as it does not take much time, and pre-ordering can reduce the cost of tickets by almost three times. Most low-cost airlines also fly to Vienna. From Schwechat airport to the city goes high-speed train and it won't take long to get to the center. You can visit the Austrian capital through Bratislava, since Vienna is not very far from it - just over 100 kilometers. It is difficult to get to Vienna by train or bus, as you will have to make many transfers and cross several countries. Another way - by your own car through Ukraine and Slovakia - is shortest way. The transport network in Austria is well developed and it will be quite easy to get around by car, but you need to remember that in the city itself there may be problems with access to attractions, as there are a lot of pedestrian zones in the city.

Transport

Travel within Vienna is carried out with the help of modern and high-tech transport. The city is enmeshed in a network of high-speed railways; the subway moves underground; between the districts of the city, communication is carried out by tram and bus lines. By the way, the Vienna tram is one of the oldest and most extensive in Europe. Despite the fact that many capitals refuse such transport, Vienna carefully preserves its history and is not going to be led by fashion trends. Highways are represented by high-speed autobahns and extended city streets, avenues and boulevards connecting all areas of the city. Tourists can rent a car in one of hundreds of agencies - just present a driver's license. The city has many private bus lines that can take passengers anywhere. It is worth remembering that all public transport runs on schedule and is almost never late, and information about it is available online and on information boards.

Accommodation in Vienna

The city center is famous for its hotels and luxury hotels, among which there are huge complexes and small cozy hotels. Tourists and guests of Vienna can be accommodated in:

• five-star hotels Ritz-Carlton, Sacher, SansSouciVien;
• four-star - Kaiserin Elisabeth, Streigenberger, chain Austria Trend Hotel;
• three-star hotels - Austria, Carlton Opera, Kugel.

In addition to chain and private hotels, there are many small 2-star hotels in Vienna with budget prices, private hotels and real estate for rent. Depending on financial capabilities, you can find a decent place to stay with good service. Traditionally, the quality of service in Vienna is quite high, no matter how huge it is. hotel or a family hotel. Almost everywhere there is a wide range of services in catering, dry cleaning, laundry, car rental, taxi call and other standard services.

Connection

The Internet network and Wi-Fi are available in all institutions of the city - from a small coffee shop to huge entertainment complexes. Public transport Also provided with wireless worldwide network. There are no problems with using the Internet in the city, as the authorities strive to introduce many new technologies. Mobile communication supports the standard GSM protocol and some others - operators provide roaming for all foreign companies. If the trip is planned to be long, then it is better to purchase a local cellular card. Ordinary telephone communication has access to international level from any device - it is very easy to call home, as there are instructions in every hotel, and at the reception they will help you get through to relatives and friends. The cost of such a call will be quite high, because most use Skype or other communication methods.

1. The opening hours of most shops and supermarkets in the city are until 18:00-20:00. Even in the tourist part of the city, only cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs work in the evening. On Sunday, almost all shops are closed.

2. In institutions, it is customary to leave a tip in the amount of 5-10%. For hotel staff and in a taxi - no more than 2 euros.

3. Tobacco products are sold only in specialized stores, although many people smoke in Vienna and almost everywhere.

4. It is worth visiting the Ferris Wheel and the highest carousels in Europe, which offer an incredible view. Next to the wheel is a copy of the Austrian capital with the most significant historical events.

5. The quality of food in Vienna is almost the same in all cafes - any establishment will provide ideal dishes, whether it be a schnitzel or a simple bun. Austrian cuisine is also famous for dumplings with potatoes, meat, asparagus and other fillings. If you are hungry, you can also go to one of the sellers of fried sausages on Stephanplatz. Assortment - Frankfurt, Viennese, Waltfector and with cheese.

6. Taxi in the city is quite cheap, but it is best to call it by phone, as it is difficult to “catch” one on the streets.

7. Public transport is convenient and relatively fast. Tourists are advised to purchase a Vienna Card, which allows them to travel free of charge for 72 hours and receive discounts on entry to 190 museums in the city.

8. Souvenir shops are located in many places in the city and rarely differ in prices - but in remote areas there are fewer people and there are no queues.

9. Thrifty tourists will like Viennese hostels that offer inexpensive accommodation in the very center of Vienna.

10. A visit to cozy coffee houses should definitely be included in the plan of exploring the city. People come here to socialize and just to relax. Traditionally, coffee houses are required to have a variety of national and international newspapers and up to 30 coffee brewing options.

11. Ringstrasse ring street (Ringstrasse), encircling central part city, is the front street of Vienna. If you take a tram near the opera and ride along this street, you can admire the magnificence of buildings and city landscapes.

12. Tourists often organize trips to wholesale warehouses, where there is a great opportunity to shop at prices that are 2-2.5 times lower than prices in Vienna's stores.

13. Bicycle rental is a very popular service in Vienna. More than 50 rental centers operate around the clock in the city. It is worth noting that the first hour of driving is not paid, and the subsequent driving time is inexpensive. You can pay both in cash and by credit card. The city has a huge system of cycle paths that connects all the important sights.

14. When traveling to the Austrian capital, one must take into account the peculiarities of the work of institutions. For example, banks may have a reduced day and not conduct transactions. On holidays, almost everything that is not related to tourism is closed and does not work.

Vienna on the map, panorama