Cities of Austria

Vienna (Wien), the capital of Austria

It is a lively city, and as any European city, carries its special atmosphere and spirit.

Population: 2 million.

Geography: Vienna is situated on the crossroad of european roads, on the bank of one of the biggest rivers of Europe - the Dunai. Having been the capital of one of the largest states of Europe, Vienna still keeps its emperial spirit, being at the same time democratic and open city for all visitors. Its museums, cathedrals, palaces, beautiful parks and streets state the wealth of cultural heritage.

Historical center of the city finds itself within the Ringstrasse, established in the middle of the 19th century instead of the old city fortress wall.

Due to numerous parks, boulevards and gardens Ring with its different-styled architectural ensembles is considered to be the most beautiful street of the world. Here you will find The huge Hofburg (Court Palace) is the most important secular building in Vienna, once the center of the powerful Habsburg Empire. The old Hofburg, with its many different sections and courtyards, was built (and renovated many times) between the 13th and the early 19th centuries. It is the former winter residence of Habsburgs, and it includes Volkerkundemuseum, Schatzkammer (The Armoury Chamber), Nationalbibliothek, Albertina, Theatermuseum, Prunksaal, Lippizanermuseum, Spanische Hofreitschule (Spanish Riding Academy) and Kaiserappartments) and the library, as well as the offices of the Austrian President. It is also the place where world-known Vienna Choir Boys performs. On the opposite side of the street, in front of Hofburg, you will see the Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches Museum) and the Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum), famous for its great collection of canvases by Duerer, Rubens, Rafael, Titian and Breigel.

If you go by the Ringstrasse in the north-west direction, you will see luxurious House of Parliament of Austria, the City Town Hall (Rathaus), the City Theatre (Burgstheater) and the University. If you go in the east direction, there will be the famous State Opera House (Staatsoper) and the most beautiful church in Vienna Karlskirche (St. Charles Church).

In the parks and boulevards siding to the Ring you will notice many monuments to the great Austrians: Mozart, Brahms, Strauss, Shubert and Beethoven.

The symbol of Vienna, St. Stephens Cathedral (Stephansdom), built in 14-15th centuries, is situated within the Ring. The southern tower of the Cathedral, 137 meters high, is considered to be the masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Inside the Cathedral you will see works of Art of five centuries, such as the cathedra of Anthon Pilgram (1514), Wiener Neustadt altar (1447) and the tomb of emperor Friedrich III.

Near the Cathedral there is Haas-Haus - postmodern building of glass with numerous shops and boutiques inside.

The center of Vienna is a wonderful place for hiking, but you can also take a fiacre.

One of the pearl of Viennese baroque is Belvedere Palace - the former summer residence of prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736), built in the beginning of the 17th century. Here you will find the Austrian gallery, the Museum of Austrian Baroque and the Greenery.

City park Prater with numerous attractions and the ZOO is very popular with tourists.

Hundertwasserhaus (Art House of Vienna), constructed and built by artist Hundertwasser in a very extraordinary style, numerous places associated with life and activities of great composers as Brahms, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss.

Wonderful city view and Dunai valley view from the viewing point on the mountain Kalenberg to the north-west of Vienna, in the Vienna Forest.

Salzburg

Population: 150 000

Geography: Salzburg, the main city of Salzburg Federal Land, situated in Salz since 700 AD.

For centuries the city had been a great point of Catholicity, and now the residence of archibishop is still here.

The city has got many seminaries and the Theological faculty of the University.

The Old Town is situated on the left bank of Salzach. Here you will see Archibishops Palace and Hohensalzburg fortress.

On the right bank of Salzach your attention will be attracted by , built in the baroque style. The Mirabel Castle (18th century) created by Lucas von Hildebradt, and St. Trinity Church.

Getreidegasse (Getreidstreet) where Mozart was born and the house on Marktplatz (where he lived later with his family), now the museum of the great composer, is also in Salzburg.

Every year different festivals, exhibitions and performances are held in Salzburg.