Along with Germany and Denmark, Austria is among the economically healthy countries in the EU. And boy does it show in the capital, Vienna. By the middle of the 12th century, Vienna had become an important center of German civilization in Eastern Europe.IT WASN'T BAD AT ALL
It's funny thing about cities: Some have brief, bright moments of cultural and political dominance, decades- or centuries-long spells when they seem the center of their particular nation, region or empire...only later fall into obscurity and disrepair, never to regain their former glory. And some cities, though they may pass through many rulers, manage to remain relevant and even coveted for not just centuries but millennia. Vienna is, definitely, a member of this exclusive club.
Of course the Romans were here but it took the arrival, in 1276, of those busily intermarrying, hyper-ambitious Hapsburgs (who remained in power until 1918!!) to make the city what it is: a pace that combines the niceties and graces of court life- which you can see in everything from its love of pastry to the MANY palaces that decorate the Old Town. This city has given birth to, housed, schooled, or witnessed performances by more artists, musicians, thinkers and writers per capita than any other European city its size (says them).
Vienna which has just 1.7 million folks living here is not only a seat to royal dynasty but also to the United Nations departments and a number of other international organizations,
Although the Hapsburgs may be gone, their sense of self--possession remains...
It was under the 68 year reign of Emperor Franz Joseph (1830-1916) that engineering technology advance to the point that the mighty Danube could be re-routed, sparing the Imperial City the constant flooding that had plagued it for centuries. We buzz over to the medieval city and outskirts and check out the
Schonbrunn Palace- the summer palace of the Hapsborgs of course! This 1,441 room Rococo extravaganza is one of the most important cultural monuments in the country. And Bubs do you know what Schonbrunn means? Beautiful spring. Nice handle. And by the way what is an "orangery"?
Oh yeah I remember being here with Henry K in the 70's.....looks like they haven't done much with the place Boca.
The palace and gardens illustrate the tastes, interests and aspirations of successive Hapsburg monarchs...they sure knew how to collect and spend those marks alright.
Boca thinks she sees some of her friends from Dubai...she'd recognize those Chanel sneakers anywhere...
Following the downfall of the monarchy in 1918 (remember that Serb who shot the old Emperor in Sarajevo) the newly founded Austrian Republic became the owner of Schonbrunn Palace and preserved it as a museum. And after WWII and during the allied Occupation of Austria (1945-1955) the Palace provided offices for the British Delegation....surprised they didn't snatch it up ....as we learned on the World Tour last year, those Brits so enjoyed the land grab game in the day....and since the 1960's has become a major tourist attraction in Vienna. We get that full on experience today- packed packed packed with many Asians...Japanese, Koreans, Chinese- hey I thought someone was trying to teach them some tourist manners? Pleep had a little elbow action and some cutting in line dust ups....
Lingering over coffee at the cafes is a national pastime. Bubba enjoyed his java at Sig Freud's favorite spot. Hoping the ghost of Freud might rub off on Boca. Not so much. She took to the local brewskies...then hit up one of the many and fantastic museums. Yes, I understand why Vienna ranks so highly on surveys such as "Worlds Most Livable City" and "World's Best Quality of Life". Home to a great number of world-class museums, royal apartments, state offices, noble palaces, and the world famous Lipizzaner stallions. Today, the medieval city center is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE (2001).
Albertina, Ringstrasse, the Opera House, Parliament and City Hall- lots to see around magnificent Vienna...lucky again with the weather.
And today is a religious holiday- Corpus Christi? about the wafer??
St. Stephan's Cathedral- the gem stone of the city. Dating from the 14th century is the city's oldest landmark. And I am betting ol'Boca wants to go in here...The Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna and known for the colorful roof tiles too.
The current Romanesque and Gothic form of the Cathedral was initiated by Duke Rudolf IV (1339-1365) and stands on the ruins of two earlier churches. You know what they say about real estate...location, location, location.
Many important events have been held here...including mobs of tourists today.
This Church has undergone renovation and expansion century after century and during WWII St. Stephen's was saved from intentional destruction at the hands of retreating German forces in spite of orders to "fire a hundred shells and leave it in just debris and ashes". Although it did suffer some damage from local fires started by civilian looters when the Russian troops entered the city. Boca surely enjoyed this prayer chapel honoring one of her favorites...MOTHER THERESA.
The Cathedral is filled with tombs, catacombs and crypts . Lots of saint's relics preserved here. The construction of Emperor Fredrick's tomb took 45 years! Pleeps favorite part of the tour were the catacombs...over 11,000 persons buried down there!
Ok enough of the church...how about this modern stuck in the middle of all this Dynasty Architecture?
Love the way they Viennese encourage water drinking...Pleep liked the Wasser fountains so much he took several showers that day....the locals didn't appreciate his fur drying technique as he would shake it until air dried...
And the art work goes on and on and on...this is the place we are going to dinner tonight...
The Spanish Riding School- and again those Hapsburgs really knew how to live it up. Quite the horse "barn" for the royals. Today it continues on as the Spanish Riding school and home of the majestic Lipizzaner horses.
A gorgeous animal. Pleep begged for a lesson, but no time. Next visit, Pleep.
Pleep insisted on a carriage ride...wanting to feel a little royal himself.
And requested that Bubs get a plate of the Happy Noodles which would be needed for the future Church visits that would be inevitable.
Palais Pallavicini
On the ride over, big visit by the President of Turkey. Bubba was sure glad those days were over for him- making sure all is well for those types of events- been there done that Pleep. It's a young guys game but I sure do like getting together every year at our annual SS Reunion. This year is Las Vegas...in September. September? Geeeeeeeze, why don't they pick a warmer month?
On the the Palais....The interior rooms are richly gilded and decorated with stucco, crystal mirrors and more... Originally a convent it was called the "Queens Monastery" before the make over. The monastery was close and the Emperor remodeled to a Palais-in the Neoclassic style and so 1784.Magical Imperial Vienna. We enjoy an evening at the Palace of fine food (well it was banquet so don't expect a 5 star Bubs), music, singing and ballet.
Quite lovely menu...
Our opera singer got a kick out of Pleep as he kept monkey dancing while she sang...and she reminded him to do his best to behave as former guests, Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert were always gentlemen while here. Enough said, little monkey. Square up!
