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Archive for the ‘Vienna attractions’ Category

After so many changes in the 20th century it’s sometimes hard to remember that less than 100 years ago Austria was part of a large empire. A reminder of that period is embodied by Vienna’s Parlament building. It will be of interest not just to students of politics, but anyone with a love for fine architecture and sculpture. Read the rest of this entry »

Dating back to the 16th century, the Hofburg Palace was once the family residence of many of the Hapsburgs, successive rulers of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Built over a period of several centuries, the complex incorporates styles ranging from neo-Gothic to Classical Revival to Baroque to many that have no known name. The entire complex of buildings holds over 2,600 rooms. Read the rest of this entry »

Like many royal families, the Hapsburgs were avid art collectors. Rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for centuries they had ample means, time, and opportunity to scour the continent for the finest available over many generations. The results of many of their efforts are housed in the Kunsthistorisches. Read the rest of this entry »

Like everything in Vienna, the Naturhistorisches Museum is done on a grand scale. Opened to the public in 1891, it is housed in a late-19th century building designed in the same Italian Renaissance style as the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) across the street. But, it is filled with treasures of a different sort.   Read the rest of this entry »

Extending along the banks of the Danube River, Austria’s capital served for a long time as the seat of the Holy Roman Empire, and of the Habsburg-Hungarian Monarchy. Rich in historic monuments, Vienna is often also referred to as “The City of Music” – a title bestowed on it because of the numerous famous composers it had given a home to over the years, and because of the first-rate musical events and festivals it stages. Read the rest of this entry »