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By : Frank Johnson
There is no city that encompasses Western European
sophistication and Eastern European culture and charm quite like
Vienna, Austria. Baroque edifices enchant the pristinely kempt
boulevards while sleek restaurants are packed with networking
business suits. Remnants of pre-Roman history in the Danube
River Valley make Vienna an intriguing center of human
settlement apart from its European neighbors. Celtic and Viking
history adorn the extensive museum collections while any
conversation with a local will reveal a rather complex, if not
completely convoluted, lineage (as anyone will find some way to
connect their genealogy to the Habsburg dynasty).
Roped in by the Ringstrasse
Vienna is easily navigable for even the most turned around
traveler, with the oldest and most commercial districts
encircled by the grand Ringstrasse (Ring Street) and the Danube
River to the North. The Innere Stadt is the first district and
home to most of Vienna's historic and architectural splendors.
You will find yourself immediately drawn to St. Stephen's
Cathedral, a Gothic and Romanesque landmark soaring high above
the surrounding square. Climb the 343 steps of the nearly
claustrophobic spiral staircase to the watchman's lookout in the
South Tower or head underground from the North Tower to the
catacombs beneath the cathedral where 14 members of the Habsburg
family are buried alongside the mausoleum of the bishops. When
Vienna was the center of the Holy Roman and Austro-Hungarian
Empires, the Habsburgs made monumental efforts to carve their
place into Viennese history. Schloss Schönbrunn is the former
summer palace of the Habsburg family and the site of the oldest
zoo in the world. Tour the halls and gardens and then go next
door to the famous Spanish Riding School where the coveted
Lipizzan Stallions are bred, trained and shown in elaborate
performances during the winter.
The World Capital of World Class Music
The city of Mozart and Beethoven loves to remind the world of
its heritage all year long. Summer, winter, spring and fall are
all celebrated with unwavering zeal through a seemingly endless
string of festivals. Even Mozart would be moved during the Film
Festival am Rathausplatz, which is held during July and August.
Remarkable films are projected onto the grand wall of the
Rathausplatz (city hall) nightly, along with operatic
performances from the world's best. Men and women gather here
after work to enjoy cocktails and the extensive array of
international cuisines and stay well into the night to dance,
watch films and stroll through the adjacent park. This is just a
touch of the Viennese way of life.
Coffee Dreams of Chocolate
Before you leave Vienna, it would be a mistake not to indulge in
the proud coffee culture. Find a coffeehouse and order from the
endless menu of roasts. Also, you may find it difficult to avoid
the tourist-targeted Mozart Balls (chocolates made for the man
himself), but resist temptation and venture into a true Viennese
chocolaterie like the famous Demels. There is no better Viennese
experience than sinking into a silky chocolate tart and sipping
a creamy latte outside the Imperial Palace!
About the author:
For more information on international travel and discount airfare to
Vienna, visit www.cfares.com, your source for
cheap airfare on the web.
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