A Walk in Vienna

Vienna was, for hundreds of years, the capital of the Austrian Empire. It is renowned for the wealth of interesting buildings, churches and palaces in many architectural styles. Some, up to 700 years old, are graceful Gothic structures, others Renaissance and Baroque. The vast majority were built in the 19th century at the peak of the Empire’s power and wealth. These are predominantly, large opulent structures in Neo-gothic and Neo-renaissance styles, with some striking examples of the turn of the century Art Nouveau, in Vienna called Jugenstil.

The center of Vienna is easily explored on foot, and it’s richly rewarding to do so. There are a couple of sites that no one should miss. One such site is the Hoffsburg fortress. Began as a small fortress in 1275 it became the residence of 600 years of ambitious rulers, each eager to put their mark on the place. In such fashion it expanded greatly, each generation adding something in the style of the day from Gothic right up to the 19th century neo-renaissance.

Crossing town to the north-west you will come to the Burgtheater, the most prestigious theater in the German speaking world. An affair of crimson and flaxen in Italian renaissance style, the Burgtheater is a great place to end up as the last point on a walk. Be sure to get tickets in advance, the theater is almost always sold out and the view is best from the inside.