"Keeweechic's Vienna" a Vienna Travel Page by keeweechic

Lying on the banks of the Danube River, Vienna is the largest city and the capital of Austria. The first mention of the city was in 1137 although it is believed to have existed from around 500 BC. For 6 centuries Vienna was reigned by the Habsburgs where much of the city’s architecture derived from. Through the years and reigns, the styles changed dramatically. Walking along this beautiful boulevard you will find a collection of buildings in varying styles. The University of Vienna (originally founded in 1365) was rebuilt in a neo-Italian Renaissance style. Across the park is the City Hall, a neo-Flemish Gothic structure. The famous State Opera House (Stadtsoper) is reminiscent of early French Renaissance buildings,

Much of the imperial style can be found in the grand boulevards also. The Ringstrabe (Ring St) in the heart of the city replaced a large horseshoe shaped wall in which the city was surrounded but was torn down in 1857. Vienna is a pretty city, almost half is covered by parks and gardens.

This sophisticated and charming city radiates a history of culture, music and art. Many great composers called Vienna their home.. Many great composers called Vienna home. When you think of Vienna you envisage angelic boys voices, swirling elaborate ball gowns waltzing across stately ballrooms to the Blue Danube with white gilded horses and carriages waiting outside grandiose palaces. While that is not exactly what you might see, the feeling and the imagination can certainly work wonders.