Heldenplatz (“Hero’s Square”), outside Hofburg palace (the imperial palace of the Habsburgs), Vienna, Austria.
St. Michael Square and Hofburg Palace. Originally a medieval fortified castle dating from the 13th century, the Hofburg was extended by each emperor. The sprawling, asymmetric complex which extends over 240,000 m² consists of 18 wings, 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms in which nearly 5,000 people still work and live today.
The Amalienburg, part of the Hofburg Palace complex, was erected as a free-standing building opposite the Schweizertrakt during the 16th century. It is named after Empress Wilhelmine Amalia.
Statue of Minerva, the goddess of Wisdom triumphing over Ignorance and Hunger.
Church of the Augustinian Friars. Originally built in the 14th century as the parish church of the imperial court of the Habsburgs.
We had a great time in Vienna, coffee with Sachertorte, a local scrumptious cake, served by formally attired waiters.
The Donnerbrunnen Fountain in Neuer Markt. Enns is an old ferryman resting against a rock – his oar rubbed by passing visitors.
“Monumental Break”, a horse and rider sculpture by the French artist Julien Berthierin in Kunstplatz,
We took a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour since Vienna is a fairly sprawled out city…
Vienna State Opera, a Neo-Renaissance building opened in 1869, but the auditorium and stage areas were bombed in WWII. It was restored and re-opened in 1955.
Traffic lights which are very romantic!
More traffic lights.
Traditional carriages in front of Hofburg Palace on the St Michael Square.
Horse and carriage.
The Spanish Riding School and its world-famous Lipizzaners – this was the nearest we could get without paying to see a show!
FIlling our water bottles with lovely cold water pumped from the Alps.
Some of the more modern buildings.
Crossing the Danube.
The Wiener Riesenrad (German for Vienna Giant Wheel), is a 64.75-metre tall Ferris wheel at the entrance of the Prater amusement park in Leopoldstadt, the 2nd district of Vienna.
Looking up at the 117 metre high Prater Tower ride!
We had a lovely stroll through the Stadtpark – and found this Johann Strauss statue…
… more water required – it was a hot day!
We went to a Vienna Walzer Concert at the Palffy Palace.
