Vienna’s historic center is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, providing you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in its long and rich history.
Schonbrunn Palace is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, once home to Austrian royal house Habsburgs and now an incredible resource for exploring Austrian history.
Hofburg Palace
Hofburg (German: Hof) translates to “court palace”, and served as such for Austria’s longest-ruling family, the Habsburgs, for over 600 years. Boasting Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural features spanning 600 years of their rule across Europe.
Visitors to the sprawling complex will gain an insight into its rich history. Visitors can see Empress Elisabeth (commonly referred to as Sisi) dressing room where it was said she took two hours comb her ankle-length hair. Also visit Imperial Apartments where visitors can marvel at Empress Elisabeth’s art collection as well as her magnificent Silver Collection.
Architecture highlights include the grand Prunksaal main hall and monumental library designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach for Emperor Joseph Emanuel; also, don’t miss visiting the Schatzkammer with its fascinating display of crowns and scepters!
Schonbrunn Palace
Schonbrunn Palace was originally built as a country retreat known as Katterburg for Klosterneuburg Abbey.
Maximilian II ordered that Schonbrunn become a grand hunting lodge by the late seventeenth/early eighteenth century (it had originally been named for one of its springs on the estate). Johann Fischer von Erlach created magnificent designs replete with classical symbolism intended to express Habsburg omnipotence.
Maria Theresa felt compelled to upgrade the designs and from 1752-1763 employed Nicolo Pacassi to convert the palace into a luxurious summer residence showcasing Rococo elegance through 1441 rooms.
Explore the rooms used by Maria Theresa’s Imperial family today – some still being used today – and take note of Johann Wenzel Bergl’s landscape murals for three multi-room suites commissioned by her from Maria Theresa herself. Additionally, visit their zoo which first opened its doors back in 1752 – it now ranks among one of the oldest zoos worldwide!
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), one of Vienna’s iconic landmarks, is an icon. As one of its major Roman Catholic churches and seats for an archbishop, St Stephen’s attracts over one million pilgrims annually – it also has a complex history and architecture due to various expansions made throughout its existence.
The cathedral’s most notable characteristic is its multicolored roof, measuring 111 meters long and featuring 230,000 glazed tiles. Additionally, this cemetery has served as the burial ground of notable figures like Joseph Haydn, Mozart, Franz Joseph I of Austria, as well as numerous others throughout its history.
Stephansplatz in Vienna. Its iconic multicolored tile roof has become the iconic image of Vienna; while its striking interior draws visitors in droves. Additionally, under its chancel is located the Ducal Crypt that holds 78 bronze containers filled with the hearts and viscera of members of Habsburg dynasty who have passed on.
The Baroque Winter Riding School
Baroque Winter Riding School in Vienna is an absolute must-see for horse enthusiasts, and witnessing white Lipizzaner stallions perform their elegant choreography is truly one of Vienna’s unforgettable experiences. These performances come complete with classical music accompaniment – and suitable for people of all ages.
Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach constructed this magnificent hall between 1729 and 1735 at Emperor Charles VI’s request, on an order given by Joseph. The facade features numerous emblems representing military standards, lances, and trophies to further decorate this masterpiece of construction.
The Spanish Riding School is one of the oldest riding schools in the world and home to an unbroken, UNESCO-protected tradition of classical horsemanship dating back over 450 years, thus earning Austrian national heritage status in 2000. Architectural enthusiasts will find special tours available, including ascending its roof structure comprised of over 2,000 individual wooden pieces; such tours provide you with a whole new view of this classic institution.
