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Austria Fact Sheet
Vienna - Impressions
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City
The center of Vienna is the Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral),
the large polychrome-roofed church that is as much of a landmark
for Vienna. From there, the Kärntnerstraße, Vienna's most
elegant shopping and walking street, runs down to the Ring, the
road that encircles the old inner city, and then follows the
line of the old Roman walls that defended the city against the
barbarians on the other side of the Danube.
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Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn Palace was originally constructed in 1696
but extensively modified a century later. Designed by
the masters of the Baroque, the von Erlachs, the 1,441-room
palace was the summer residence of the Habsburgs.
During the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, the buildings
were finished, complete with rococo detailing. The
site of lavish balls and huge banquets, the palace came to its
greatest glory during the Congress of Vienna.
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Parliament
The Parliament Building was built 1873-83 by T. v. Hansen strictly
adhering historical style ("Historismus") and resembles a structured
palace, harmoniously decorated with statues and a mosaic. A
lofty portico with a massive ramp in front of it, unites the
two high chambers of the Austrian Parliament. In front of
the ramp towers a monumental fountain with a marble statue of
the goddess Pallas Athena.
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Opernball
The very words "Vienna Opera Ball" conjure up an image of one
of the most glittering and romantic events on the international
society calendar. Kings, statesmen, politicians, industrialists
and countless famous artists have already fulfilled
their dream of taking part in this unique event.
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National Theater
The "Burgtheater" (National Theater ) is located on
the Ring oposite of the Rathaus - One of the most attractive buildings around
the Ringstraße and one of the world's most respected german-speaking
theatres.
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Emperor
To get an insight into what life was like for the Imperial Family,
a visit to the Hofburg (Imperial Palace) is recommended.
This was the city residence of the Emperor and you will find
it fascinating to go through the residential quarters to the
Treasury of the Imperial Family. Alongside is the famous
Spanish Riding School where you will find the Lippizaners,
the famous Spanish horses so-beloved of Elizabeth, the last Empress
of Austria.
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Coffee Houses
The Viennese "Café" or "Coffee House" (or
just "Kaffeehaus") evokes the glory of imperial Vienna.
It is a place in which to exchange ideas and meet people. This
is the perfect place to relax, chat, ponder, read newspapers
(traditional Viennese cafes carry international newspapers) or
to know the gentle Viennese way of life. Typically, guests are
ushered formally to small round marble-top tables by servers
who address their female patrons as "gnädige Frau"
(gracious lady). Imagine you are a member of the emperor's
court as you sip coffee and enjoy exquisite tea sandwiches
or an artfully prepared "Torte" ...
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Parks
In case you need a break - Vienna's parks and gardens are a delight.
Stroll through the Stadtpark, and if you don't mind paying an
exorbitant price, go to the Kursalon to drink coffee, listen
to schmaltzy but satisfying waltzes and see demonstrations of
the waltz as you have dreamed about dancing it. Visit the
Tiergarten and the Prater, where a ride on the Riesenrad (Vienna's
giant Ferris Wheel) will give you the sort of view of Vienna
that you get in Paris from the Eiffel Tower.
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