First Stop Vienna - Part II

Vienna Part II

I can't believe it is only a few days until I begin my new adventure starting in Vienna.  It is amazing how little I really need.  I've whittled down my belongings to two suitcases.  Seeing friends and saying goodbye to family has marked my last few days in the States.

In my Vienna Part II post I'm concentrating on some of the places I will focus my short time in the city.  I'm really looking at the three days I will be in Vienna prior to traveling to Slovakia as a way to see what I want to concentrate on the next time I visit the city.  I'm hoping to be able to see Vienna several times over the next year as it is relatively close to where I'll be living in Slovakia.

Vienna History

Karlskirche Church Mosaic

Since World War I, Vienna has been the capital of the Republic of Austria.  Vienna began as a Roman settlement known as Vindobona (meaning good wine) and subsequently became one of Europe's main trading hubs under the Austrian Habsburg's.  During the 19th century Vienna became the capital of the Austrian-Hungary Empire.  

As is the case with most Central European cities, old and new live next to each other in architecture and cultural sensibilities.



As much as politics have played a role in all of Central Europe, the church has dominated the culture and social mores more than any other institution. The Karlskirche Church was build between 1715 and 1737 to honor a patron saint for his work against the plague that claimed more than 8000 lives. The Karlskirche is a renown Baroque masterpiece.  

The Belvedere Upper Palace

Another Baroque heavyweight is The Belvedere Palaces.  Commissioned in 1714 by one of Habsburg generals, Prince Eugen of Savoy, after he received a large reward for his victories during the Spanish Succession. There are two palaces and were used as his summer homes.

The summer residence of the Habsburg's, Schloss Schonbrunn was build after the Turkish Siege between 1695 and 1713.

There are 10 top features to the palace but I'm not sure I'll be able to see them all.  I think I'll concentrate on the Grand Gallery, Napoleon's Room and the Empress Elisabeth Salon.  
Let's face it, a girl always needs to see the Salon!

Underground Vienna

Michaelerkirche Crypt

I definitely want to see "underground Vienna" with all its history and macabre glory. One such feature is the  Michaelerkirche Crypt.  The Crypt contains well-preserved mummies still wearing I definitely want to see some of the underground sites in Vienna.  One is theBaroque frocks and wigs. 

In the Middle Ages many of the Viennese houses had wine cellars.  The cellars stored vast vats of wine, vegetables and other goods.  Some of the cellars were destroyed in construction of the metro underground transportation system.


All my following posts will be "on the road" or from my residence in Slovakia. 


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Auf Wiedersehen