Vienna, a stunning European city, mixes history, culture, music, and delicious food in its charming old town. Explore beautiful buildings, great museums, enjoy opera, and savor the atmosphere of its old coffee houses.
Chapters:
00:00 intro
01:17 Kärntner Strasse and Graben
01:44 St. Stephen Cathedral
02:26 The Viena State Opera
03:14 Wiener Kaiser Orchestra
03:47 Vienna's Public Transport
04:00 The Spanish Riding School
04:33 The Belvedere Palaces
05:18 Schönbrunn Palace
05:56 The Cafe Central
06:15 Outro
Famous for its music, Vienna inspired composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. During our five-day visit, we had fun choosing from the city's many attractions.
Empress Elizabeth, known as Sisi, from the 19th century is everywhere in modern Vienna. Initially set to marry Elisabeth's older sister, Emperor Franz Joseph 1 fell in love with Elisabeth, widely celebrated as one of the most beautiful and accomplished women of her time.
When we visit a new city, we like to start with a bus tour to get a good look at the city and its historical spots. This helps us decide what we want to focus on - based on the time we have.
Our first stop is Vienna's old district, Kärntner Strasse and Graben.
It is an exceptional shopping destination, boasting upscale stores that cater to the most discerning shoppers.
Since the 1970s, the old district has been a charming pedestrian street, perfect for a relaxed stroll.
Just a short stroll away lies St. Stephen's Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece nestled in the heart of the Vienna . As one of the city's enduring symbols for centuries, the cathedral, constructed in the 12th century, has seen numerous renovations and expansions.
Its most remarkable feature is the vibrant and intricately patterned roof, adorned with 230,000 glazed tiles in a dazzling array of geometric designs. The captivating hues of blue, green, yellow, and red form a visually stunning spectacle against the backdrop of the Vienna skyline.
We also visited The Vienna State Opera, a famous opera house with a rich history. The exterior has Renaissance-style arches, and when you step inside, you can feel the historic atmosphere, especially in the well-preserved lobby.
In 1945, the opera was bombed and sustained damage. But by 1955, it was successfully rebuilt, thanks to money from taxes, donations, and support from the US Marshall Plan.
Now, the opera is thriving with countless different performances. Each season has 350 shows, including over 60 operas and ballets. Every night, you can see top-level artists.
After an amazing tour of the place, we wanted to get tickets for a concert with classical music, opera, and ballet. We found the "Wiener Kaiser Orchestra," a hidden gem with a small, cozy concert hall that felt charming. Eight talented musicians performed, showing off their skills as instrumentalists, singers, and dancers. They played well-known classical pieces, making the concert a highly recommended experience. The whole show, along with the beautiful building, left us completely enthralled.
Vienna's public transport system stands out as a strong asset. It is affordable, runs frequently, operates efficiently, and is seldom crowded, making it a commendable feature of the city.
Next, on our list was The Spanish Riding School, a prestigious institution devoted to preserving classical dressage and training Lipizzaner horses. Renowned for its captivating performances held in the Hofburg, it has become a popular tourist attraction. When attending the show, you will exclusively witness the captivating dressage of the horses. Although we couldn't film the live rehearsal, we were able to secure pre-recorded footage for the performance.
Built in the early 18th century by Baroque architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, the Belvedere palaces served as Prince Eugene of Savoy's summer residence. This UNESCO-listed site, featuring the Upper and Lower Belvedere and a vast garden. The Garden is a prime example of late Baroque design.
Now, the Upper Belvedere has a vast collection of Austrian art, from the Middle Ages to today. It includes works by international artists like Monet, van Gogh, and Beckmann. They have got the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt's paintings, like "The Kiss" and "Judith."
Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs' old summer home, is a top attraction in Vienna. Its beautiful architecture and gardens make it a must-see. The 1,441-room Baroque palace is a crucial cultural and historical site, showing over 300 years of Habsburg history y. It has been a popular tourist spot since the 1950s.
The emperor had the area fenced off and filled it with game: like pheasants, ducks, deer, and boar. It became the court's hunting ground for fun and relaxation.
Spanish Riding School additional footage:
Creative Commons
czcams.com/video/Yt5KGpt4UYE/video.html
St. Stephen Cathedral photograph: Wikipedia Creative Commons
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephen%27s_Cathedral,_Vienna