What is remarkable about the Austrian capital Vienna.

Useful information for tourists about Vienna in Austria - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

The capital of Austria - the legendary Vienna - is located in the eastern part of Austria at the foot of the Alps, on the banks of the Danube, 60 km from the border with Slovakia. Vienna is one of the most beautiful capitals, where a romantic atmosphere always reigns, which is generated by the rich history of the city, the charm of the music of Mozart and Strauss, the splendor of ancient palaces and cathedrals, the Vienna Woods and the Danube.

Vienna has been an architectural gem and a musical center since the Middle Ages. Among the beauties of the city are the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the adjacent Augustinian Church, also in Vienna it is worth visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, the Belvedere Palace and the Sigmund Freud Museum.

If you want to ride through the Viennese streets in a cab, you will see baroque palaces and impressive buildings of the Kaiser times, drive along picturesque medieval lanes. They belong to the "old" Vienna as well as the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Treasure Chamber, the Spanish Riding School, the world-famous Schönbrunn Palace.

The "new" Vienna is embodied in the modern architecture of the Haas-Haus on Stephansplatz, in the Vienna House of Art, created by the artist Hundertwasser, in the Museum of Applied Arts and discos, for example, "P1".

There are many interesting museums in the Austrian capital, such as the Mozart and Freud House Museums, the Museum of Art History, Technology, Folklore and Ethnography, Natural History, the Museum of the 20th Century, and the Austrian Gallery. In addition, it will be interesting to get acquainted with the town hall (1872 - 1883), the Burgtheater (1874 - 1888), the parliament buildings (1883) and the Vienna Opera (1861 - 1869). Both children and adults will be interested in visiting the oldest zoo in the world, founded in 1752.

The pride of Vienna is the most beautiful parks, diverse in their appearance and purpose. Among them, the most famous park is the Vienna Woods, partly located in the foothills of the Eastern Alps.

Viennese merchants surprise guests with a variety of goods and souvenirs. While in Vienna, be sure to take a stroll through the Naschmarkt market. Here you will be kindly offered fresh vegetables and fruits, commenting on your purchase with funny jokes. Every Saturday, the popular food market turns into a flea market, where mostly cheap crafts are on display, but you can also find worthwhile thing. Shipekk department store is a paradise for lovers of fashion jewelry.

It's hard to imagine life in Vienna without coffee shops. In a cozy cafe you can find out latest news, show yourself and look at people. The most famous coffee houses are Demel, where the most diverse audience gathers, Zaher, where an atmosphere of respectability reigns and famous branded cakes are served, Havelka, a typical Viennese institution, and Do & Co.

Vienna occupies a worthy place in the galaxy of brilliant European capitals. From its very foundation in ancient times, the city experienced several architectural upsurges, but it began to turn into a real masterpiece after the accession of the Habsburg dynasty in the 13th century.

Vienna is associated with the life and work of the musical geniuses Mozart, Schubert, Haydn. Here are the magnificent palaces of the Austrian emperors, the bells of majestic cathedrals ring, real court balls take place.

For tourists, the capital of Austria is attractive all year round. In between sightseeing, they sit in cozy Viennese coffee houses, tasting delicious Austrian sausages, enjoying fresh pastries from pastry shops on Kärntnerstrasse. And in the evenings they arrange promenades in the parks and admire the illumination of the Danube promenades.

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What to see and where to go in Vienna?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

The palace is the former city residence of the imperial family and embodies the very spirit of the once great Austro-Hungarian Empire. The complex occupies an entire block: dozens of buildings, nineteen courtyards, two parks and countless indoor squares. The Hofburg acquired its present appearance by 1913. Now museums, galleries, the national library and concert halls are located on its territory.

The summer residence of the Habsburgs, built in the pompous style of the Austrian Baroque. The palace is surrounded by a huge landscape park, especially picturesque in spring and early summer. It grows hundreds of species of flowers, shrubs, trees and exotic plants. 40 rooms and halls of the residence are open for visiting, where you can look at the imperial bedrooms, reception rooms, ballrooms.

Another pearl of the 18th century palace baroque style. The palace complex is often referred to as the "Viennese Versailles" for its beauty. Belvedere belonged to the brilliant Austrian commander Prince Eugene of Savoy. Now the halls of the Lower and Upper Belvedere houses a museum complex of medieval art, the Baroque period and impressive collections of paintings from different eras.

Symbol of the Vienna Musical, one of the best opera houses in Europe. Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas and other great performers performed here at different times. Regular productions include works by Strauss, Mozart, Verdi and Ravel. modern building theater appeared in the 19th century, it was immediately headed by Gustav Mahler. At the opening in 1965, Don Giovanni by W. A. ​​Mozart was performed for the audience.

A well-known concert venue, one of the centers of the musical life of the Austrian capital. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and guest bands perform here, many come on tour from other countries. The Philharmonic is popular with guests of Vienna, as musicians in costumes of the Mozart era often perform here and create a unique surroundings and atmosphere of the 18th century.

Royal Dramatic Theater of Austria. It appeared at the behest of Empress Maria Theresa in the first half of the 18th century. The building is located near the Hofburg and City Hall. The theater was destroyed by bombing during the Second World War, and it took a lot of time and effort to restore it. Today, the Burgtheater is a well-known and popular venue hosting the world's leading theater groups.

The building is located in the Inner City (the central district of Vienna) and serves for administrative purposes. The town hall houses the parliament - the Landtag, the municipal assembly, and also houses the mayor's residence. During the construction, the model of the Brussels City Hall in neo gothic style. The interior decoration is more like a palace with rich decoration, huge crystal chandeliers and large halls.

An architectural complex with elements of neoclassical, Byzantine and antique style, designed and built by the architect Baron Hansen in the 19th century. He specifically created such a project to remind future parliamentarians of the birthplace of democracy, Greece. Since the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, the National and Federal Councils have been sitting here, before that the Chamber of Deputies was located.

The palace-museum, which in the past belonged to one of the oldest and noble European families - the princes of Liechtenstein. The building houses a large private collection of art objects, which the family began to collect from the 16th century. Among the exhibits are the works of Flemish painters, paintings of the Renaissance, Romanticism, jewelry, antique furniture, collections of weapons, household items from different times.

The castle is the family home of the Liechtenstein family. This magnificent example of medieval architecture is located in the Vienna Woods. The history of the castle began in the 12th century along with the history of the family. Over the centuries, the building was repeatedly destroyed during the fighting. After the bombings of World War II, it was restored at the expense of the townspeople, and Liechtenstein leased the castle to the Vienna municipality.

Kreuzenstein is one of the most visited Austrian castles and is located a few kilometers from Vienna. The fortress arose on the site of an ancient Roman fortification, in the XIII century it passed into the possession of the reigning Habsburgs. After being destroyed in the 17th century as a result of the Swedish War, the castle lay in ruins for almost two centuries. Only in the 19th century, the Wilczek family bought the land and reconstructed the castle in its original form.

Gothic cathedral of the XIV century with magnificent interior decoration, a true symbol of the Austrian capital. The temple went through many reconstructions, by 1523 it acquired the form in which it has survived to this day. From the observation deck on one of the towers offers a breathtaking view of Vienna. In the cathedral catacombs are the tombs of E. Savoy, Frederick III, Rudolf IV and other representatives of the royal dynasty.

Baroque Catholic church with elements of Rococo, Byzantine, Greek and even Arabic style, built by order of Emperor Charles VI in the first half of the 18th century. The reason for the construction was the terrible plague that hit Vienna in 1713. The emperor promised the Lord that he would build a church in honor of his patron Saint Charles if the city got rid of the terrible infection.

A striking monument of neo-Gothic architecture of the XIX century. It has the most typical elements for this style: openwork decorative patterns that create a “flying” airy image, lancet window spans and arches, high spiers of the main towers. The temple is built of white sandstone, so the building often requires reconstruction. The church appeared as a token of gratitude to God from Emperor Franz Joseph.

One of the oldest churches in the capital, built under Emperor Leopold I. The dome of the temple was designed in the image of the dome of St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican. According to some historical sources, in 792 there was a church founded under Charlemagne. The first direct mention of the temple dates back to the 12th century. The building in the Romanesque style burned down in the 17th century, ten years later the modern church of St. Peter was erected in its place.

The apartment in which the great composer lived with his family in the period 1784-1787. Here, one of his main creations, the opera The Marriage of Figaro, was born. The museum was opened on the 150th anniversary of Mozart's death and reconstructed 100 years later. Only the stove, window openings and doors remained from the original furnishings. In the museum you can see various items that belonged to the composer's family.

An outstanding collection of paintings, initiated by Duke Albert (Albrecht). The gallery has several dozen halls, which exhibit works by Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Rubens, Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt. In addition to the art exhibition, the Albertina has a library with a reading room. A restaurant and a souvenir shop are open for tourists, where you can buy art history books.

Museum organized in the house of the founder of psychoanalysis Z. Freud. The expositions tell about the activities and researches of the scientist. Visitors can look at the psychoanalyst's waiting room, office, waiting room. The museum also contains an extensive library of three hundred volumes devoted to the study of psychoanalysis. Freud and his family lived in this house until the German occupation in 1938.

Two museums in the style of the Italian Renaissance, located close to each other. Both buildings were built according to the design of the masters Baron von Hasenauer and Gottfried Semper. Between the museums there is a picturesque landscape square with small fountains, alleys and topiary trees. Interior decoration also luxurious, the interiors are reminiscent of the imperial palace.

Located in the Museum Quarter of the capital. The expositions are dedicated to the work of contemporary Austrian artists. The gallery exhibits works by Oskar Kokoschka, Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt. The basis of the museum was a private collection of the Leopold family. In 1994, the Austrian government bought more than 5,000 paintings from them, established a museum, and Rudolf Leopold was appointed its director for life.

Observation tower on the territory of the Danube Park with a height of 252 meters, the highest point of the Austrian capital. From the summit in clear weather, visibility reaches 80 km. You can climb on two high-speed elevators, or by breaking the stairs of 779 steps. The tower has two restaurants on a rotating platform. In summer, bungee jumpers organize buckle competitions from the observation deck.

The building appeared in the XVIII century. and served as a shelter for people with mental disabilities. This is one of the oldest madhouses in Europe. In 1786, the sinister tower was given over to the museum of pathological anatomy. The exhibits of the museum are human organs and parts of the body (as well as the whole body), subjected to mutations as a result of diseases or genetic pathologies, stored in alcohol solutions. The exposition is part of the Museum of Natural History.

The home of the avant-garde artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser with an interesting and unusual design. The eccentric creator himself called it " ecological house". On the one hand, the architecture of the building is somewhat reminiscent of the famous creations of A. Gaudi: smooth asymmetrical shapes, bright colors, balconies decorated in the Art Nouveau style. And on the other hand, the fabulous home of the hobbits from The Lord of the Rings.

Picturesque natural area and a well-maintained resort area, located on the spurs of the Alps in the vicinity of Vienna. The forest has been recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve due to its unique ecosystem. Valuable beech and oak trees grow here. Many folk legends and legends are associated with the Vienna Woods, united under the general name "Tales of the Vienna Woods".

Public park, laid out in the 19th century. by order of Emperor Franz Joseph. A popular place for walking locals and relaxing from the bustle of the city. On the paths there are busts and statues of famous personalities: Schubert, Strauss, Lehar, Bruckner. Concerts are constantly held in the park, dance floors are arranged, cafes and restaurants are open. The territory is decorated with flower meadows, curly bushes and fountains.

The street encircling the central part of Vienna, one of the main city arteries. The Ringstrasse was built on the site of the old city walls. The most famous sights of the capital are located along the boulevard: the Hofburg complex, the Vienna Opera House, the Parliament building, museums, parks, monuments. There are busy transport routes. The street stretches for 5.3 km. in length.

It is located on the left bank of the Danube. Until the 18th century, imperial hunting grounds were located here, then, at the behest of the royal family, a park was laid out - coffee houses, carousels, and pastry shops appeared. People were entertained by clowns and street performers. Since the 19th century, the Vienna Fair has been held on the territory. The park has a Ferris wheel, recognized as one of the oldest in Europe. Prater - favorite place recreation of Viennese families with children.

The world-famous Viennese coffee house, located on the first floor of the five-star hotel of the same name. The cafe is open to everyone and has fairly affordable prices. Here you can drink magnificent Viennese melange and taste the famous Austrian Sacher cake, the recipe of which is still kept in strict confidence (only the cafe's confectioners own it).

Aquarium and terrarium in one area, where a wide variety of marine life and amphibians are represented. It contains jellyfish and stingrays, rare species fish, sharks, turtles and snakes, crocodiles, spiders and lizards. About 10,000 animals live in aquariums and tanks. The House of the Sea is located in the building of a 45-meter tower, on top of which there is an observation deck.

The zoo appeared in the 18th century at the request of Emperor Franz Stefan (the monarch had a craving for natural sciences). Nowadays, the zoo is recognized as one of the best in the world; several hundred species live here. Special pride - giant pandas, a rare endangered species of animals. Newly appeared panda cubs are sent to China at the age of 2 years, because. this country is the owner of all pandas by treaty.

Vienna - the capital of Austria, as well as the administrative center of the district of Lower Austria, is located in the eastern part of the country, at the foot of the Alps, on one of the banks of the Danube River, surrounded by the beautiful Vienna Woods. The main water arteries of the capital are the Donaukanal branch of the Danube and the small river Vienna. The capital of Austria is located in the very center of Europe, at the junction of its eastern and western parts. Only 60 kilometers separate Vienna from the border with Slovakia. Today, about 2 million people live in the city. For many centuries, Vienna has been the main center of classical music - at one time many recognized musical geniuses lived and worked here: Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms. The Vienna Choir, the Vienna State Opera, and such a bright musical event as the Vienna Ball have gained worldwide fame.

Vienna has the status of one of the most charming European cities. Being in the past the capital of the Austrian Empire, it impresses with its luxury, sophistication and grandeur at the same time. This splendor is surrounded by low hills, climbing which, you can see the architectural masterpieces spread below. At the same time, Vienna is the location of the headquarters of political organizations such as OPEC and the OSCE. One of the residences of the UN is also located here, and the Vienna International Center houses the offices of the UNODC, the IAEA, and the UN industrial development organization.

The Austrian capital is not only the administrative, but also the economic center of the country, which has concentrated enterprises in the electrical, metalworking, machine-building, food and textile industries. The head offices of the largest Austrian banks and insurance companies are located in Vienna, and twice a year the city becomes the center of international economic fairs. There are luxury hotels and branded stores of fashionable design houses.

To enter Austria, Russian tourists, as well as guests from many other countries, need a Schengen visa. The nearest international airport is located 16 kilometers from Vienna, in the small town of Schwechat. You can get from it to the capital by high-speed train, bus or taxi. Public transport of the city consists of the subway, electric trains, trams and buses. All modes of transport run strictly according to the schedule. Doors in buses and trams are not automatic, and in order to enter or exit, you must press the button next to the door.

Climatic features

The climate in this region is temperate continental, but the weather in Vienna is also determined by its proximity to the Alps. January is considered the coldest month, with an average air temperature of -2 ... + 2 ° С, however, sometimes the thermometers drop to -18 ° С. In winter, a lot of snow falls in the city. The warmest months are July and August, when the air warms up to +20°C, but on especially hot days, the thermometers rise to +30°C. During the winter months, foehns are often observed in the city - gusty warm mountain winds. The most favorable weather for travel begins in May and lasts until mid-October.

History reference

Archaeological finds indicate that the first settlements in this area appeared more than 20 thousand years ago. Modern Vienna was already a small provincial town in the 6th century AD. In the 10th century, it passed into the possession of the counts of Babenberg, and since 976, the name Ostarrich, meaning Austria, has been found in the surviving chronicles. From that time on, the city began to expand its borders and experienced its first architectural flowering. After the death of the last descendant of the counts of Babenberg, in the middle of the 13th century, power in the city fell to the Habsburgs, whose dynasty determined the course of historical events not only in Vienna, but throughout Austria until 1918, when the Austro-Hungarian monarchy fell. During the Second World War, Nazi troops were on the territory of Austria from 1938, turning the country into a province of Nazi Germany. After the end of hostilities in 1945 and the next 10 years, Vienna, divided into 4 sectors, was subject to the control of the Allied countries. Only in 1955 did Austria gain independence.

Modern Vienna is a real museum city, with many magnificent architectural monuments of the most different styles and directions. The ancient buildings in the city center were included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List in 2001.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

The pride of Vienna and its calling card is the St. Stephen's Cathedral, the construction of which dates back to 1340. Initially, on the site of the Cathedral there was a small parish church, built in 1137. From the moment of its foundation, the temple was subjected to numerous restructurings and acquired its finally formed appearance, which has survived to this day, only by 1523. The facade walls are lined with smooth large blocks of hewn stone and are moderately decorated with sculptures and carved masks. The portals of the cathedral are covered with a real carved carpet, plunging into the world of religious symbols and ancient legends - there is also a floral ornament, and images of people, birds, fabulous and mythical animals.

The cathedral has north and south towers. The height of the latter is 136 meters, you can get to the top by breaking the stairs with 343 steps. At the very top there is an observation deck, which offers magnificent views of the city and its surroundings. The north tower was left unfinished, and in 1579 it was crowned with a Renaissance dome, under the arch of which was placed the Pummerin bell, which became the largest bell in Austria.

St. Stephen's Cathedral was badly damaged during the Second World War, and the famous Pummerin bell was broken. After 7 years of restoration work, the cathedral was completely restored. Today, a photo of this majestic Gothic temple is depicted on all souvenirs and tourist brochures that tell about Vienna.

The Vienna State Opera House is a musical Mecca, known not only in Austria, but all over the world. The building of the opera house was built in 1869 according to the designs of the talented architect August Sikkard von Sikkardsburg. After the premiere performance, it was recognized as one of the best in the world in terms of acoustic characteristics. Restored after the Second World War according to the surviving drawings, the opera house became the venue for the most significant dance event in the country - the annual Vienna Ball. This status event is attended by the President of Austria, as well as world celebrities, appearing in all their splendor.

Palace complex Belvedere

The huge Belvedere Palace was built in the 18th century by order of Prince Eugene of Savoy, who planned to use it as his summer residence. The complex consists of Lower Belvedere, Upper Belvedere, and beautiful garden between them, decorated with numerous sculptures and fountains. The halls of the Upper Belvedere were used for various celebrations and ceremonial receptions, so this palace is still associated with entertainment among local residents. After the death of Eugene, the entire complex, considered one of the most outstanding baroque examples in the world, was acquired by the Habsburgs. Today, in the premises of the Upper Belvedere there is an art gallery with big amount works of artists of the XIX-XX centuries.

The Hofburg is the main residence of the Habsburgs, founded in the 13th century and served until 1918. Originally built as a magnificent medieval castle, the Hofburg expanded its borders and grew with the same proportionality as the power of the Habsburgs. Over the long centuries of the reign of this dynasty, the Hofburg turned into a huge palace complex, combining the treasury with imperial crowns, several palaces and museums, a chapel where the Vienna Boys Choir performs and an arena where you can see dancing Lipizzaner horses belonging to the Spanish Riding School. In total, the complex has about 2,600 halls; only a small part of the imperial chambers is open to tourists.

Schönbrunn is another summer residence of the great Habsburg family, one of the main attractions of Vienna and a must-see in the traveler's program. This palace can be compared with Peterhof and Versailles - here the most beautiful natural park is a harmonious continuation of the architectural masterpiece, made in the Baroque style. The palace complex consists of 1,400 halls, so it is very difficult to get around all the chambers open to tourists. Today in Schönbrunn there is an exhibition of carriages, with carriages, sleighs, palanquins and sedan chairs on display. The main place in the collection is occupied by a gilded, imperial carriage, harnessed by eight horses on the days of coronations. Also on the territory of the park is the Zoo and several museums. In summer, tourists can visit the palace theater, which hosts performances and musical concerts.

Vienna (Austria) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main sights of Vienna with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Vienna (Austria)

Vienna is the capital and The largest city Austria, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is a metropolis with unique charm, energy and atmosphere, the historic center of which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Vienna is the cultural capital of Europe, a surprisingly romantic and open city that has preserved its colossal historical heritage. Here, among the spacious imperial squares and luxurious palaces, amazing sights, architectural monuments and masterpieces of art lurk.

Vienna is one of the most popular cities in Europe. The capital of Austria attracts gastronomic aesthetes with its culinary delights and restaurants, fashionistas with its shops, bohemians with theaters, opera, exhibitions and museums. Vienna is considered the city of music and art. Brilliant composers lived and worked here: Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss, as well as many famous artists who turned the city into a treasure trove of Europe.

Geography and climate

Vienna is located in the northeastern part of Austria at the foot of the Alps on the banks of the Danube. The river Vienna also flows here, which gave the name to the city. The capital of Austria lies on a hilly plain called the Danube. The surroundings are covered with forests, and vineyards grow on the slopes of the hills.

The climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters. A little more than 600 mm of precipitation falls annually. The climate of Vienna is rather dry. In summer, the average temperature is about 20 degrees, in winter - about zero. With the invasion of cold eastern fronts, frosts of up to -10 degrees are possible.

Practical information

1. Population - 1 857.6 thousand people.
2. The area is 414.8 square kilometers.
3. The language is German. Although Austrian German differs from traditional German in terms of pronunciation and morphology.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
6. Within the boundaries of Vienna there are 23 parks.
7. The main religion is Roman Catholic.
8. Vienna is one of the safest cities in the world. There are no slums and areas to avoid. You can walk around the capital of Austria anytime and anywhere.
9. Special mention should be made of the high quality drinking water, which is not inferior in quality, and sometimes even surpasses that which is sold in bottles.
10. Vienna has an excellent public transport system: metro and suburban trains, trams and buses. A single ticket is valid, which must be stamped at the entrance to the metro platform, tram car or bus. Tickets can be purchased at special vending machines at metro stations and tobacconists.

History

The history of Vienna as a settlement began around the 1st century AD. At this time, a Roman fort was built here. This small fortress bore the name of Vindobona. In the 5th century, the Romans left the fortress and it was settled by the Avar and Slavic tribes.

The first written references to Vienna date back to the Carolingian period (9th century). At that time there was a small castle, a dozen houses and a church. In the 12th century, the importance of Vienna increased. It becomes the residence of the Austrian Dukes of Babenberg.

By the end of the 13th century, the city became the main residence of the Habsburgs. In the second half of the 15th century, a bishopric was established here. In 1529, the Turks tried to capture Vienna, who suffered a crushing defeat here despite overwhelming superiority.

In the 16th century, Vienna became the center of the Habsburg Empire. The city is turning into one of the cultural, economic and political centers of Europe. In the 18-19 century, the capital of Austria is one of the centers of world culture and music. At the beginning of the 19th century, the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte entered the city several times. At the beginning of the 20th century, Vienna was one of the largest cities in the world. As a result of the defeat of Austria-Hungary in the First World War, the Habsburg Empire collapsed, and Vienna lost its influence.

In 1938, German troops entered the city. The capital of Austria was liberated by Soviet troops in April 1945. Modern Vienna is a major cultural, tourist and economic center of Europe, the headquarters of many international organizations.

How to get there

The international airport is located in the suburbs of Schwechat. Most European airlines and a significant number of intercontinental airlines have direct flights to Vienna. From the airport to the city can be reached by S-Bahn (S7) and buses. The most convenient way to get to the center is the nature train (Floridsdorf) to the Wien-Mitte station, and then you need to transfer to the U3 metro line to the center.

Vienna is one of the largest railway junctions. High-speed trains operate from Munich, Budapest, Zurich and Prague. Other destinations: Dusseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Brno, Bratislava. The capital of Austria also has excellent car accessibility.

Shopping and shopping

Shops are usually open from 9.00 / 10.00 to 18.00 / 20.00 and are closed on Sundays. Large shopping centers and supermarkets are open until 22.00. Many shops (including branded ones) can be found in the Kärntner Straße, Graben, Kohlmarkt and Mariahilfer Straße area. At Tuchlauben 3-7A / Bognergasse / Seitzergasse is the so-called "golden quarter" with the most luxurious boutiques, including: Prada, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Emporio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Mulberry, Etro, Pomellato, Brunello Cucinelli.

Food and drink

Vienna boasts one of the most famous culinary traditions in the world. A varied, but truly harmonious range of dishes reflects the combination of national and cultural traditions in the past of a multinational empire. First of all, the capital of Austria is famous for its coffee, desserts - the famous Sacher cake, strudel, salzburger nockerln.

Traditional Viennese fast food - hot dogs and hot sausages, which can be bought in the many Würstlstand eateries. Various Balkan and Turkish fast foods are also common. Of the traditional dishes, it is worth highlighting schnitzel with potato salad, slices of boiled beef with a side dish.

Attractions

Vienna is a city with rich history, the capital of a once mighty empire. Here you can find magnificent sights, historical buildings and cultural monuments. But especially Vienna is famous for its museums, theaters and art galleries.

The Hofburg is one of the symbols of Vienna's imperial past. A huge luxurious palace, which was the winter residence of the Habsburgs. In the Middle Ages, there was a castle, from which a small chapel has been preserved. The Hofburg was expanded into a magnificent residence when Vienna became the capital of Austria-Hungary. Currently, you can find almost any architectural style here - from Gothic to Art Nouveau. And in its halls there is a national library, a treasury, a museum of musical instruments, weapons and ethnography and the famous "Spanish riding school".

The huge palace square - Heldenplatz (Heroes' Square) is also impressive. The equestrian statues of Archduke Charles, who won the Battle of Aspern against the troops of Napoleon (1809) and Prince Eugene of Savoy, who defeated the Turks, testify to the glorious past of Austria. Heroes' Square is not just a huge square in the center of the Austrian capital, it is one of the symbols of a glorious history.

Cathedral of St. Stefan (Stephandom) is one of the most famous Viennese landmarks and one of the most significant masterpieces of European Gothic. The construction of the first church dates back to 1147. Long time Stephandom was the tallest building in Europe - 137 meters. The old church was rebuilt in the Gothic style on the orders of Duke Rudolf IV. In 1359 he laid the cornerstone of the nave, and in 1433 the South Tower was completed.

Cathedral of St. Stefan especially stands out big beautiful roof and a high slender tower (136.7 meters). Interestingly, the number of medieval towers of this height in the world can be easily counted on one hand. Inside the cathedral there are many treasures of art, such as: the tomb of Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the greatest generals in Europe (1754), the Wiener Neustadt altarpiece, the pulpit of Anton Pilgram (1514-15), the tomb of Emperor Frederick III by Niklas Gerhart (1467-1513 BC) and a Gothic altar.

Cathedral of St. Stephen is the centerpiece of Viennese legends and stories. On the left side of the main entrance is a strange indentation that was used to measure the size of a loaf of bread if the customer was unhappy with its size. The unfinished northern spire is attributed to a young architect who was in love with the daughter of the builder of the southern spire. Although the most likely reasons are financial problems due to the constant threat of a Turkish siege and the gothic going out of fashion. And dozens of such romantic, funny and mystical stories.

Church of St. Karla is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest Baroque church north of the Alps. It was built in 1715 by the famous Austrian architect Johann Fischer von Erlach. It was erected in honor of the vow of Emperor Charles VI in gratitude for deliverance from a severe plague epidemic and was dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo.

The church is located on one of the central squares of Vienna - Karlsplatz. The square in front of the cathedral was rebuilt in the 1970s by one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century, Henry Moore.

The unusually wide pediment of St. Karla is composed of several contrasting elements that surprisingly complement the unique and harmonic general image. Two bells with an allegorical depiction of the life of St. Borromeo are reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance. They form the main portal, reminiscent of a Greek temple. The oval nave of the church has a beautiful dome (72 m high), spectacularly decorated inside.

Anchor (anchor) clock is located on the oldest square in Vienna "Hoher Markt" and represents the Art Nouveau style. The clock was built in the early 20th century by von Matz and forms a bridge between the two parts of the Anker insurance building. For 12 hours, twelve historical figures move along this kind of "bridge". Among them are the medieval lyricist Walther von der Vogelweid, Empress Maria Theresa and Prince Eugene of Savoy. Every day at exactly noon, the clock "beats" a small show, accompanied by music from different eras.

Belvedere is one of the most beautiful palace complexes in the Austrian capital. It consists of two magnificent palaces in the middle of a magnificent park. The Belvedere was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy by the famous baroque master von Hildebrandt. Interestingly, the palace complex was originally located outside the city walls, but today it is part of the third district of Vienna, which is located near the historical center. The architecture and design of the Belvedere halls is made in the Rococo style. Currently, both palaces house museums with Austrian paintings from the 18th-20th century. The park is a collection of over 4,000 plants from the Alpine ecosystem. It is especially beautiful in spring and summer.

Ring Boulevard is the main avenue of Vienna. It is a boulevard ring 4 km long, which encircles the center of the Austrian capital. The ring boulevard was founded in 1857 by Franz Joseph I. It was built on the site of the old fortress walls and fortifications. Walking here you can look at a large number of monumental historical buildings of various architectural styles.

The National Theater (Burgtheater) is located in the first district of Vienna opposite the town hall on the famous ring boulevard. This is a monumental building of the late 19th century, the facade of which is lined with white marble. It is one of the most famous theaters in Europe.

The Vienna Opera is located in the very center of Vienna in the southern part of Kärntnerstrasse. This is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The opera house was built in the second half of the 19th century in the style of the Italian Renaissance.

The Prater is Vienna's most popular entertainment fair. Its most significant part is the huge Ferris wheel. It was established at the end of the 19th century in honor of the anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph. The height of the Ferris wheel is 60 meters.

Bluthgasse is an area of ​​narrow winding streets, medieval and baroque buildings. This area is located near the Cathedral of St. Stephen

Maria am Gestade

Maria am Gestade is one of the oldest buildings in the capital of Austria, a 14th-century Catholic church in the Gothic style. Located in the northern part of the historical center.

The Scottish Monastery is a Benedictine monastery founded in the 12th century. Located in the central part of Vienna on Freyung Square.

The Plague Column is a monumental Baroque sculpture built at the end of the 17th century from marble. Interestingly, the column is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and not to the Virgin Mary.

Church of St. Augustina - the court church of the Habsburgs. It was founded in the 14th century by Augustinian monks. This gothic religious building is located on the Josefplatz square in the center of Vienna.

Church of St. Petra is an early 18th century Roman Catholic Baroque church on Graben street. The church was built on the site of an old medieval religious building by Gabriel Montana under Emperor Leopold I.

Mariahilfer is a 17th-century Roman Catholic Baroque church located in Vienna's sixth district.

The Vienna City Hall is a grandiose neo-Gothic building of the late 19th century located in the historic center of Vienna. Designed by Friedrich Schmidt.

Parliament - a monumental building of the late 19th century, lined with marble. It is the seat of the national parliament.

Vienna (German: Wien) is the capital of Austria, located in the eastern part of the country. It is one of the nine lands of Austria, surrounded on all sides by the territory of another land - Lower Austria. The population of Vienna - 1.651 million people (end of 2005); together with the suburbs - about 2 million.

The city is the third city - the seat of the UN (after New York and Geneva). The Vienna International Center (the so-called UNO-City) includes the IAEA, UNODC, the UN Industrial Development Organization, etc. The headquarters of such international organizations as, for example, OPEC and the OSCE are located in Vienna.

The Old Town of Vienna was included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List in December 2001.

The city is located in the eastern part of Austria at the foot of the Alps, on the banks of the Danube, 60 km from the border with Slovakia. The Danube flows through Vienna with its branch Donaukanal and the river Vienna. Historically, the city developed south of the Danube, but in the last two centuries, Vienna has grown on both sides of the river. The highest altitude of the city above sea level is noted in the Germanskogel area (542 m), and the lowest - in Essling (155 m). The city is surrounded by the Vienna Woods.

The geographically advantageous position makes Vienna a very convenient place for developing diversified relations with Eastern countries. This became especially noticeable after 1989, when the so-called iron curtain “fell”. For example, only 60 km separate Vienna from the capital of Slovakia Bratislava - this is the shortest distance between two capitals in all of Europe, excluding the Vatican and Rome.

The shape of Vienna resembles a circle crossed by the chord of the Danube River. Since Roman times, the city has expanded in concentric circles. Its central part, the so-called inner city (Innere Stadt), almost coincides with the administrative boundaries of the first district. Ring (Ring - ring) is a chain of boulevards that form a ring. The history of the Ring began in 1857, when the emperor decided to destroy the fortifications that were no longer needed. The Gürtel, a belt forming a concentric circle around the Ring, arose in 1890. It swallowed up the villages surrounding Vienna and the churches built on the site of the parish churches that surrounded the capital of the empire in the past. Behind the Gürtel is the so-called "Red Vienna", that is, the workers' quarters built by the socialists in 1923-1934.

The climate is subalpine, its formation is significantly influenced by the proximity to the mountains. Winter: average air temperature? 1.5 C, occasionally there are frosts from - 12 to - 18, snowfalls are frequent. Summer: the average air temperature is about +20 C. Atmospheric precipitation: 700-2000 mm per year.

History
Vienna was originally a Celtic settlement called Vindobona, founded around 500 BC. e. and located on the site of the modern central district of the city. In 15 BC. e. the city was conquered by the XX legion "Gemina" and turned into an outpost of the Roman Empire, designed to protect the borders from the attacks of the Germanic tribes from the north. In the last period of Roman rule in Norica, Vindobona was called Fabiana (lat. Fabiana), named after the Fabian cohort (cohors Fabiana) who lodged in it. The Romans occupied Vindobona until the 5th century, after which it was burned.

Dwellings begin to spring up around the ruins of Vienna, and around 800 the St. Ruprecht Church, the oldest church in Vienna, is built.

In 881, the city was first mentioned under the name Wenia. The following references date back to the 1030s. Having withstood several attacks by the Slavs and Hungarians, by the 10th century Vienna had become an important trading city.

By the middle of the XII century. Vienna becomes the residence of the Austrian Dukes of Babenberg - in 1155, Duke Henry II of the Babenberg family built a house on the Am Hof ​​square.

Since 1278 Vienna has been a stronghold of the Habsburg dynasty.

In 1469, Pope Paul II gave Kaiser Frederick III permission to establish the Bishopric of Vienna.

In 1529 and 1683 Vienna was unsuccessfully besieged by the Turks. In 1679, a plague broke out in Vienna. The population of the city, which was 100 thousand people, decreased by a third. Since the 16th century, Vienna has become the capital of the multinational state of the Austrian Habsburgs; from the 17th century and especially in the 18th century, it became the focus of numerous court bureaucracy. Since the 18th century in Vienna, the manufacturing industry develops (textile production and the production of luxury goods). In the 18th - early 19th centuries, Vienna was an important center of world culture, especially music. In 1805 and 1809 Napoleon's troops entered Vienna. In 1814, the Vienna Congress was held in the city, which revised political map Europe. In 1867-1918 Vienna was the capital of Austria-Hungary.

In the first half of the XIX century. there was progress in the field of culture and art - the Biedermeier style arose, the founders of which were famous Viennese composers, artists and theater figures. Vienna is turning into a pan-European music center. The Biedermeier era ended with the revolution of 1848, in which the inhabitants of Vienna took an active part.

At the end of the XIX century. culture, science and education continue to flourish in Vienna. The University of Vienna and the Academy of Sciences are world famous. In 1897, representatives of the Viennese bohemia created the Secession group, which included K. Moser, G. Klimt, K. Moll and O. Wagner.

By the beginning of the XX century. Vienna is the largest city in Europe with a population of over 2 million (now 1.6 million). However, political events in Europe became a turning point for Vienna - with the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Republic during the First World War, Vienna is losing its former influence.

The First World War led to the fall of the House of Habsburg, and the creation of the First Republic caused an economic decline in Vienna, generated by inflation and internal political struggles. In 1928, mass civil unrest broke out in Vienna, and in February 1934 the country was engulfed in civil war.

April 13, 1945 Vienna was liberated by the Red Army. In July 1945, an agreement was signed on occupation zones in Austria and on the administration of Vienna. The city was divided into 4 sectors of occupation: Soviet, American, English and French; the center was allocated for joint quadripartite occupation.

At present, Vienna is a major cultural and economic center of Western Europe.

Transport
Vienna has a well-developed public transport system. It is based on the Vienna Underground and the Vienna S-Bahn, which are complemented by a network of tram and bus routes. A network of autobahns and railways connects Vienna with other cities in Austria and Europe. The Single Main Station is under construction, long-haul flights are served by three main stations: South, West and Franz Josef Station. Vienna International Airport Vienna-Schwechat is located 18 kilometers southeast of the city center and is the largest and most important airport in Austria.

Sights of Vienna

The symbol of the city - St. Stephen's Cathedral(Stephansdom), patron saint of the Austrian capital. The cathedral is over 800 years old. Under the cathedral there are ancient catacombs - the burial place of representatives of the Habsburg dynasty, its interior decoration is simply bewitchingly beautiful, and a Turkish cannonball is embedded in its spire, which fell into the cathedral during the Turkish siege of the city in the 16th century. On the walls of the Stephansdom you can see the measures of length, size and weight, which in the Middle Ages used to check the goods when buying, and from its observation deck you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Danube and Vienna. Opposite the cathedral lies the beautiful Stephansplatz square and the post-modern glass building of the commercial center Haas Haus. The Graben Street departs from the square, the "heart of the city", another symbol of Vienna, on which such famous sights as the Peitzeuil column, the Sacher Hotel and the Peterskirche church are concentrated. The most fashionable shops are also located here. It is interesting to get acquainted with the nearby Michalerkirche, San Marie am Gestade, Franciskanerkirche, the neo-Gothic City Hall (1872-1883), one of the most beautiful squares in the world - Josefplatz with the Palace Chapel and Burgtheater (1874-1888) located on it, the building Parliament (1883), in front of which stands the statue of Pallas Athena, and the famous Vienna Opera (1861-1869) - the venue for the iconic annual Opera Ball.

A little southwest of the Graben and Josefplatz lies the majestic complex Imperial Palace Hofburg(XIII-XIX centuries), built on the site of the Bavarian fort (1278), which now houses a number of government organizations of the country and the OSCE. The premises of the palace house the Spanish Riding School - the famous Winter Manege of the Habsburgs (1735), the Schatzkammer Treasure Exhibition (the crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Imperial Crown made in 962 in its collection), a separate hall of the Burgundian Treasury (regalia , ceremonial robes, jewels and relics of the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Dukes of Burgundy, including the "Sacred Spear", which allegedly pierced the crucified Christ), the imperial reception hall and the bedroom of Kaiser Franz Joseph.

In separate buildings of the complex there are the Vienna House of Arts, the unique Austrian National Library (XVIII century), which contains more than 2 million books, notes, manuscripts and ancient manuscripts, as well as the Augustinkirche court church and one of the richest art collections in the world - the Albertina Gallery (1800).

Near the Hofburg Palace there is a unique workshop of Petit Pointe, where handbags, brooches and miniature snuff boxes embroidered with tiny crosses have been made for many centuries.

You should definitely visit the Church of St. Ruprecht and the summer residence of the Habsburgs - Schönbrunn Palace, which has more than 1400 rooms and halls. Now the Museum of Weapons, a collection of costumes and horse-drawn carriages "Wagenburg", a beautiful park with fountains, a greenhouse and a zoo are located here. Fine examples of architecture are located on a hill in the southeastern part of the city, the palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy - Belvedere Castle (1714-1723) with the Gallery of Austrian Art of the 19th-20th centuries. (the largest collection of Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka) and the chambers of Archduke Ferdinand, the baroque Karlskirche (1739) and the Stadtpark, the University, the palace of Count Manfeld-Fondi and the Vatican Church.

The pride of Vienna is the most beautiful parks, diverse in their appearance and purpose. The Prater is considered the most "popular" park in Vienna (it has been operating since the 18th century) and is famous for the largest Ferris wheel in the world (65 m) and excellent restaurants. Dozens of musical performances and symphony concerts are regularly held in the old Augarten park. The famous Vienna Woods park, located in the vicinity of the capital, in the foothills of the Eastern Alps, is a whole forest area with its own towns and hotels, resorts and thermal springs. Bounded on one side by the picturesque Danube valley and vineyards, and on the other by the famous resort area of ​​Baden and Bad Voslau, the Vienna Woods is a favorite vacation spot for the Viennese and visitors to the country.

There are probably more interesting museums in the Austrian capital than in any other city in the world.

Not a single tourist can resist the temptation to visit the famous Viennese cafes and restaurants, which are the same integral attribute of the city as the Stephansdom or the "crooked house" Hundertwasser Haus. Viennese cafes are the oldest in the world. The most famous are the classical "Maria Theresa", the fashionable "Do-and-Co", the modernist "Museum", as well as "Mozart", "Fiacre", "Central", "Melange" and "Demel", where the most diverse audience gathers, Freud's favorite cafes are Landman, the respectable Sacher and Havelka, whose walls are decorated with paintings left as payment by famous artists, as well as Dommeyer, in which Strauss made his debut.

The restaurants of the capital are no less famous and charming. The historic "Piaristenkeller" has two museums of its own and offers dishes based on 18th century recipes. The Greichenbeisl restaurant is the oldest "drinking establishment" in Vienna; already in the 16th century, a tavern worked here. It was visited by almost all the famous people of the country and the world - from Bekhoven and Strauss, to Mark Twain and Chaliapin. Also famous are the Plaschutta restaurants on the Auhofstrasse, Temple on the Praterstrasse, Hansen and Stomach, as well as the wine cellars ("heuriger") of the Grinzing district. There are more than 180 cozy "heurigers" in Vienna - from tiny, no larger than a living room, where regulars come from neighboring streets, to huge, chicly furnished halls where you can meet a simple crown, and an aristocrat from the "high society".

Viennese surroundings
The surroundings of Vienna are no less good than the capital itself. On the banks of the Danube, 70 km west of Vienna, lie the ruins of the Dürnstein fortress (XII century), the prisoner of which was the legendary English king Richard the Lionheart. In Tulln, in the castle of Atzenburg, concerts dedicated to Schubert are held all year round (in these places the estate of the uncle of the great composer was located, which he often visited). According to the Nibelungenlied, it was here that the first battle of the legendary Siegfried with the Hun king Etzel (Attila) took place. Nearby lie the ruins of the fortress of Araburg - the last stronghold of the Protestants in Austria. The Cistercian monasteries of the Heiligenkreutze are located 25 km southwest of Vienna. Gumpoldskirchen is dominated by the castle of the German knights with the parish church of St. Michael and the statue of St. Nepomuk on the picturesque bridge, as well as the famous wine cellars. Very close to Vienna is the town of Klosterneuburg, where local monks have been producing wine for almost a thousand years, so the local winemaking school is considered one of the oldest in Europe.