Vienna (Austria) – the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main sights of Vienna with a description, guides and cards.
Contents
City of Vienna (Austria)
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, located in northeastern part of the country. This is a metropolis with a unique charm, energy and atmosphere, the historical center of which is included in the list UNESCO World Heritage sites. Vienna is the cultural capital Europe, the city is surprisingly romantic and open, which has preserved its colossal historical legacy. Here among the spacious imperial squares and luxurious palaces lurk amazing attractions, monuments and masterpieces art.
Vienna is one of the most popular cities in Europe. Capital Austria attracts gastronomical aesthetes with its culinary delights restaurants, fashionistas – their shops, bohemia – theaters, opera, exhibitions and museums. Vienna is considered a city of music and art. Here lived and worked brilliant composers: Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss, as well as many famous artists, which turned the city into a treasure trove of Europe.
Panorama of Vienna
- Geography and climate
- Practical information
- Story
- How to get there
- Shopping and shopping
- Food and drink
- sights
- Video
- Maps and guides
- Comments and reviews
Geography and climate
Vienna is located in the northeastern part of Austria at the foot of Alps on the banks of the Danube. Also here is the river Vienna, which gave the name of the city. The capital of Austria lies on a hilly plain, which is called the Danube. The surroundings are covered with forests, and the hillsides grow vineyards.
The climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters. For the year falls just over 600 mm of rain. The climate of Vienna is rather dry. Summer the average temperature is about 20 degrees, in winter – about zero. With frosts of cold eastern fronts are possible up to – 10 degrees
Panorama of Vienna
Practical information
- The population is 1,857.6 thousand people.
- The area is 414.8 square kilometers.
- The language is German. Although Austrian German is different from traditional in terms of pronunciation and morphology.
- Currency – Euro.
- Time – Central European UTC +1, in summer +2.
- There are 23 parks within Vienna.
- The main religion is Roman Catholic.
- Vienna is one of the safest cities in the world. There is no slums and areas to be avoided. Across the capital of Austria you can walk whenever and wherever you want.
- We should also mention the high-quality drinking water, which is not inferior in quality, and sometimes surpasses that which sold in bottles.
- Vienna has an excellent public transport system: metro and commuter trains, trams and buses. There is a single ticket, to be stamped at the entrance to the platform of the subway, in the car tram or bus. Tickets can be purchased in special vending machines at metro stations and tobacco kiosks.
Story
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 Vindobona. In the 5th century, the Romans left the fortress and its settled Avar and Slavic tribes.
The first written mentions of Vienna date back to Carolingian (9th century). At this time there was a small castle here, a dozen houses and a church. In the 12th century, the value of Vienna increases. She is becomes the residence of the Austrian Dukes of Babenberg.
Panorama of Vienna
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 year, Vienna tried to capture the Turks, who suffered here crushing defeat despite overwhelming superiority.
In the 16th century, Vienna became the center of the Habsburg Empire. City becoming one of the cultural, economic and political centers of Europe. In the 18-19 century, the capital of Austria is one of centers of world culture and music. At the beginning of the 19th century to the city several times entered the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte. At the beginning of the 20th century Vienna was one of the largest cities in the world. As a result the defeat of Austria-Hungary in the First World War, the empire of the Habsburgs broke up, and Vienna lost its influence.
Vienna in the evening
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 The economic center of Europe, the headquarters of many international organizations.
How to get there
The international airport is located in the suburb of Schwechat. Most European airlines and a significant amount intercontinental have direct flights to Vienna. From the airport to the city can be reached by S-Bahn (S7) and buses. The most convenient way get to the center – natural train (Floridsdorf) to the station Wien-Mitte, and then you need to transfer to the U3 metro line to center.
Vienna is one of the largest railway junctions. High-speed trains run from Munich, Budapest, Zurich and Prague. Other destinations: Düsseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Brno, Bratislava. The capital of Austria also has excellent automotive availability.
Shopping and shopping
Shops usually work from 9.00 / 10.00 to 18.00 / 20.00 and closed on sundays. Large shopping centers and supermarkets work until 22.00. Many shops (including branded) can be found in the Kärntner Straße, Graben, Kohlmarkt and Mariahilfer Straße. At Tuchlauben 3-7A / Bognergasse / Seitzergasse is located the so-called “golden quarter” with the most luxury boutiques among which: 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. Diverse but truly harmonious The range of dishes reflects a combination of national and cultural traditions in the past multinational empire. Firstly The capital of Austria is famous for coffee, for desserts – the famous Zaher cake, strudel, salzburger nockerln.
View of Vienna
Traditional Viennese fast food – hot dogs and hot sausages, which can be bought at the numerous Würstlstand eateries. Also Various Balkan and Turkish fast foods are common. Of traditional dishes worth highlighting schnitzel with potato salad pieces of boiled beef with a side dish.
sights
Vienna – a city with a rich history, the capital of the once mighty empire. Here you can find great sights, historical buildings and cultural monuments. But especially Vienna is famous with its museums, theaters and art galleries.
Hofburg
The Hofburg is one of the symbols of Vienna’s imperial past. Huge luxurious palace, which was the winter residence of the Habsburgs. AT The Middle Ages here stood a castle, of which a small chapel. The Hofburg was expanded to a magnificent residence when Vienna became the capital of Austria-Hungary. Currently you can find almost any architectural style – from gothic to modern. And in its halls is located the national library, the treasury, Museum of musical instruments, weapons and ethnography and the famous “Spanish riding school”.
Impressive and huge palace square – Heldenplatz (square heroes). Equestrian statues of the Archduke Charles, who won the battle Asperne against the forces of Napoleon (1809) and Prince Eugene of Savoy, the victorious Turks testify to the glorious past of Austria. Heroes’ Square is not just a huge square in the center of Austria the capital, is one of the symbols of the glorious history.
Cathedral of sv. Stefan
Cathedral of sv. Stefan (Stefand) – one of the most famous Viennese landmarks and one of the most significant masterpieces of European gothic. Construction first Church dates back to 1147 year. For a long time, Stefand was the most Europe’s tallest building – 137 meters. The old church was rebuilt in the Gothic style by order of the Duke Rudolph IV. AT In 1359 he laid the cornerstone of the nave, and in 1433 was South tower finished.
Cathedral of sv. Stefan is particularly distinguished by a large beautiful roof and high slender tower (136.7 meters). Interesting that the amount medieval towers of this height in the world can be easily counted by fingers Inside the cathedral there are many treasures of art, such as: the tomb of Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the greatest commanders of Europe (1754), the altar of Wiener Neustadt, pulpit Anton Pilgram (1514-15), tomb of Emperor Frederick III Nicholas Gerhart (1467-1513 gg.) And the Gothic altar.
Cathedral of sv. Stefan is central to the Viennese legends and stories On the left side of the main entrance is located strange the indent that was used to measure the size of the loaf of bread, if the client was unhappy with its size. Unfinished north spire is credited to a young architect who was in love with a daughter builder spire south. Although the most likely causes are financial problems due to the constant threat of the Turkish siege and exit Gothic from fashion. And dozens of such romantic, funny and mystical stories.
Church of sv. Carla
Church of sv. Carla is a masterpiece of baroque and the biggest baroque church north of the alps. It was built in 1715 by the famous Austrian architect Johann Fischer von Erlach. Was erected in honor of the vow of Emperor Charles VI in gratitude for deliverance from a strong plague epidemic and was dedicated to saint carl 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 one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century is Henry Moore.
Unusually wide pediment of the church of sv. Carla is made up of several contrasting elements that surprisingly complement the unique and harmonic overall image. Two allegorical bells depicting the life of saint borromeo resemble the italian Renaissance. They form the main portal resembling a Greek temple. The oval nave of the church has a beautiful dome (height 72 m), spectacularly decorated inside.
Anchor (anchor) clock
Anchor (anchor) clock located on the oldest square in Vienna “Hoher Markt” is an art nouveau style. Watches were built in the early 20th century by von Matz and form a bridge between two parts of the building of the insurance company Anker. Within 12 hours twelve historical figures move along this peculiar “bridge”. Among them – the medieval lyricist Walter von der Vogelweid, Empress Maria Theresa and Prince Eugene from Savoy. Every day at noon, the hours “beat off” a small show in accompanied by music from different eras.
Gazebo
Belvedere – one of the most beautiful palace complexes Austrian capital. Consists of two magnificent palaces in the middle magnificent park. Belvedere was built for Prince Eugene Savoy famous baroque master von Hildebrandt. Interestingly, the palace complex was originally located outside city walls, but today it is part of the third district of Vienna, which is near the historic center. Architecture and The design of the Belvedere halls is made in the rococo style. Currently In both palaces there are museums with Austrian paintings from the 18th and 20th centuries. The park is a collection of more than 4,000 plants. alpine ecosystem. It is especially beautiful in spring and summer.
Annular boulevard
Ring Boulevard – the main avenue of Vienna. Represents 4 km long boulevard ring which surrounds the center of the Austrian capital Cities. 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.
National theater
The National Theater (Burgtheater) is located in the first district of Vienna opposite the town hall on the famous Ring Boulevard. it 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.
Vienna Opera
The Vienna Opera is located in the very center of Vienna in the southern part 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 Italian Renaissance.
Prater
The Prater is the most popular entertainment fair in Vienna. Most Much of it is a huge ferris wheel. It The story was established at the end of the 19th century in honor of the anniversary of the reign Emperor Franz Joseph. The height of the ferris wheel is 60 meters
Blutgasse
Blutgasse is a district of narrow winding streets, medieval and baroque buildings. This area is located near the Cathedral of St.. Stefan
Maria am Gestade
Maria am Gestade is one of the oldest buildings in the capital of Austria, 14th century catholic church in gothic style. Located in the north parts of the historic center.
Scottish monastery
Scottish Monastery – Benedictine Monastery, founded in the 12th century. Located in the central part of Vienna on Freyung Square.
Plague column
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, not the Virgin Mary.
Church of sv. Augustine
Church of sv. Augustine – the court church of the Habsburgs. Was founded in the 14th century by Augustinian monks. This is gothic religious building is located on the square Josefplatz in the center Veins.
Church of sv. Petra
Church of sv. Petra – a Roman Catholic baroque beginning church 18th century on Graben street. The church was built on the site of the old of the medieval religious edifice by Gabriel Montana at Emperor Leopold I.
Mariahilfer
Mariahilfer – Roman Catholic Baroque church of the 17th century, located in the sixth district of Vienna.
Vienna City Hall
The Vienna City Hall is a grand neo-Gothic building of the late 19th century, located in the historical center of Vienna. Built by project Friedrich Schmidt.
Parliament
Parliament – a monumental building of the late 19th century, lined marble. Is the seat of the national Parliament.
Video
Maps and guides
Map of the historic center with the metro