Austria – Vienna. Magnificent! (part 1)
Written by Nez, Posted in Travel, Comments: leave another one
You ought to visit Vienna. It is a city that you just have to see. You don’t need days to fall in love with the place. Just step your feet in city centre, you will feel the vibe. Vienna – once the capital of the Austrian Hungarian Empire, today very modern and busy, I could still feel its history as I walk down the busy streets or at the restaurant eating their typical meals.
No getting lost and stopping on the street corners for what seems like forever trying to read the map. Once on the map it is easy to find because everything seems to be clearly marked. From bus maps to tram maps. Hands up to Vienna.
Our day started with a visit to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace. The position, the design and the gardens at this Palace reminded me of Versailles palace. Though Versailles Palace’s gold finish on the building and gates makes it to be much more glittering. Maria Theresa and her husband Emperor Francis I lived at Schonbrunn Palace with their 16 children in the 18th century. There are 45 rooms open to public that are worth seeing.
We could not get enough of its beautiful gardens.
From the Palace we took an underground train to The Museums Quarters. Inside, there are cafes, restaurants and shops. Cullo joined the group that was practicing dance and Muli kept audience entertained by screaming to her daddy. And we had a good rest after long walk around the Museum.
There are many attractions within the walking distance. The Maria Theresa Memorial. Yes the same Maria Theresa I mentioned above. Not only did she birthed 16 children, during her reign she introduced many important reforms. Like the abolition of torture, the introduction of compulsory schooling, the creation of civil services, the universities were transferred from churches and became state Universities. Amazing work!.
Close by is Trade Fair Palace that was stables for the imperial court. The State Opera House, it is rated as one of the best opera house in the world. The Museum of Natural History, that displays botanical, zoological exhibits and more. Museum of fine Arts, inside there are collection of coins, medals and paintings.
Once our legs were too tired we took a tram on Ringstrasse and had a look of town from the window. By the end of the day we were very exhausted but glad because we tackled most places we wanted to see. We were still excited because the following day we planned to slow the pace and simply stroll on the streets not focussing on seeing specific sights.
I decided to have two part of Vienna vacation recap posts because the post was just too long. Next will be part 2 – day 2 of Vienna.
A bientot!
Take care,
Nez