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Archive for the ‘Austria’ Category
St Stephens Cathedral in Vienna dates from the 14th century although it stands on the site of two earlier churches. Its position at the centre of the city gives it a commanding place and the plaza that surrounds it is one of the noted places to sit and watch the world go-by. It is also one of the most expensive places to buy a coffee, as I found to my cost.
photo by Dennis Jarvis (https://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/)
One of the great glories of the Cathedral is the remarkable mosaic like roof
Photo by Reji (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rejik/)
photo by Ryan Healy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanhealy/)
Amongst the famous historical figures buried within the cathedral are Prince Eugene of Savoy, noted Austrian general during the war of Spanish succession and the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick III.
photo by Chris Yunker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/chris-yunker/)
From palaces to metro stations the architecture in Vienna is fantastic
Westbanhof Station
Photo by Wendy ( https://www.flickr.com/photos/20575593@N00/)
One of the great things about the city centre is that much of it was built around the same time in the mid-19th century at the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and so there is a unity in the building style, especially around the Imperial palaces and the Ringstraße.
Vienna is one of my favourite cities. It is not ahrd to imagine yourself transported back to the height of the Austro-Hungarian empire as you walk along its wide boulevards and in its parks and palaces.
But before we look at those buildings, here are some pictures of the city and surrounding area taken from the hills outside the city.
The River Danube bisects the city and is crossed by numerous bridges
The ancient Royal Palace outside Vienna
Pete's Favourite Things 