We started our day with a city tour of beautiful Vienna, the capital of the Republic of Austria. We were surprised that such a modern the city could have so many old buildings throughout. The architecture was breathtaking! We learned that Vienna is, in every respect, the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.
Our first stop was the Belvedere Palace which houses the Austrian Gallery. The Austrian painters of the 19th and 20th century are the focus of this gallery. One of the major works shown here includes Gustav Klimt’s THE KISS!
Next we stopped at the infamous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The cathedral of St. Stephen was built between 1263 and 1511 and is the symbol of the city of Vienna. Its tower stands 450 feet tall, making it one of the most impressive churches in Europe. From the Cathedral spanning all around is the town center, or Stephansplatz, where you can find famous Viennese cafés, designer shops, boutiques, and museums.
We spent the afternoon in the Stephansplatz and lunched at a famous café called Gerstner, which opened in 1847 as a small pastry shop in the heart of Vienna. This café earned the highest honor of d as Royal-Imperial Court Confectioner in 1873. The pastries are not only delicious, they are pieces of art!
Vienna is a bustling city, which is one of the many reasons it is one of the most popular destinations for tourists who enjoy the cosmopolitan yet nostalgic flair of Austria.
The highlight of our day in Vienna was a fantastic Strauss and Mozart concert at the Auerberg Palace where Mozart not only played but lived there for a short time while composing. It was a perfect combination of the symphony, ballet and opera; a musical treat that gave us a taste of the Viennese culture that has influenced so many!
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