A 10-day Art and Culture Trip Across Central Europe

About Vienna

Everybody wants to visit Vienna. Not only is it the capital city of Austria, it is an exciting metropolis with a rich background in history, art and especially music. The city is known for its grand Ring Road, lined with impressive buildings including museums such as the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History. If you want to be witness to the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty then make sure to tour the former residences of the royal family at the Schönbrunn Palace and the magnificent gardens as well as the Hofburg Palace and the Belvedere Palace, with its baroque architecture.

Everybody wants to visit Vienna. Not only is it the capital city of Austria, it is an exciting metropolis with a rich background in history, art and especially music. The city is known for its grand Ring Road, lined with impressive buildings including museums such as the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History. If you want to be witness to the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty then make sure to tour the former residences of the royal family at the Schönbrunn Palace and the magnificent gardens as well as the Hofburg Palace and the Belvedere Palace, with its baroque architecture.

Vienna (Wein) has 23 districts (Wiener Gemeindebezirkein) and each district offers diverse attractions including art galleries, café, museums, palaces, restaurants etc. each with its pros and cons. Starting in 1850, as the city kept growing and including the surrounding communities the city gave them numbers for easy clarification and reference.  The 1st District (Innere Stadt) is the old town and is encircled by the Ringstrasse (The Vienna Ring Road) which is about 5 km long. It is divided into nine sections; each has a ring extension. In 2001, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is much to see in the inner circle including St. Stephan's Cathedral (Stephansdom), Hofburg Palace, the Natural History and Art History Museum, Wiener Rathaus (Vienna City Hall) the State Opera House and much more. Did you know that there are over 100 museums in Vienna! Besides the museums there are theatres, dance and music halls, restaurants, bars, exhibitions, restaurants, bars, cafes and lots of nature trails. Renowned artists whose works are hung in museums around the world and musicians whose music is played by international symphony orchestras were from Vienna. For example - Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) a symbolist painter and important influential member of the Vienna Secession movement (is there anyone who hasn’t seen his painting “Judith and the Head of Holofernes”; Egon Schiele (1890-1980) the Austrian expressionist who painted powerful personal paintings and Oskar Kokoschka the Expressionist, as well as Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000) whose startling works can be seen in what used to be his home in the 3rd district. Note: The family was Jewish, their original name was Stowasser and to save themselves during WWII they disguised themselves as Catholics and the young Friedrich even joined the Hitler Movement to avoid being targeted. It was only after the war that he then decided to change his name.  Just saying and just mentioning a few of the most renowned Austrian composers, in alphabetical order (feel free to add to this list): Anton Bruckner, Joseph Haydn, Franz Liszt, Joseph Haydn, Gustav Mahler, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert; their compositions can be heard around the world. in opera houses, theaters, concert halls and churches. Hofburg Imperial Palace which was built in the 13th century was the former main residence of the Habsburg monarchy. The palace contains 2600 rooms and some of them are spectacular museums on various themes and exhibitions. The various collections are housed in separate rooms and include musical instruments, weapons and armor, the ceremonial room (State Hall) in the Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek) one of the most impressive in the world, with more than 12,000,000 books and item. The Imperial Treasury (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer) includes two imperial crowns as well as the Burgundian treasure and the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Sisi museum in honor of Empress Elisabeth and so much more. On the outskirts of the palace is the famous Spanish Riding School where to this day they continue the training of Lipizzaner horses. Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) which was the summer “vacation” home for the Habsburgs is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered Austria's most popular and most visited tourist attraction. It is of great importance for its architectural design and its spectacular neoclassical colonnade and manicured gardens which includes the palm house (Palmenhaus) from around 1880 is home to exotic plants growing in 3 pavilions in this huge greenhouse and the Maze (a terrific place for children as well). St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. It is also one of Austria’s most prevalent attractions with about one million visitors a year! Architecturally it is a very important building in the Gothic style, although it has been added to, altered and redecorated over the many decades or more accurately centuries! However, if it is that “Kodak Moment” you are yearning for, then you will have to climb up over 300 steps to the bell tower for a magnificent view of the city with its colorful tiled rooves. Belvedere is actually two palaces in the Baroque style - the Orangery and the Palace Stables. As well, the Belvedere is home to the Austrian Art Museum with works by leading Austrian artists such as Egon Schiele and Kokoschka Oskar, Gustav Klimt (“The Kiss” is on view, in the Lower Belvedere Museum). The Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum), considered one of the top museums in the world, was built near the Imperial Palace in the late 1800’s. There just wasn’t enough room in the Imperial Palace for the incredible huge art collections of the royal family, as well as the most extensive collection of Bruegal art anywhere. Today they also exhibit the works of top artists from the Middle Ages to the 19th century including paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) and Titian (Tiziano Vecelli).  The Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper) was one of the first of the monumental buildings to be built on the Ringstrasse and is renowned throughout the world. If you are a real opera buff you will be excited to know that the acoustics have been improved (with great difficulty because the building is under a preservation order). There are daily ballets and operas and visitors are welcome to view the impressive building. The Vienna Prater is a fantastic large public park in Leopoldstadt and the amusement park (The Wurstelprater) usually referred to as "Prater" is on one side of the park, with over 200 attractions including the iconic Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) from the late 1800’s.Note: For easy access, an underground railway now stops near to the entrance of the Prater. Traditional dishes of the Viennese cuisine: Wiener schnitzel (veal coated in breadcrumbs and fried), Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Beuschel (a ragout containing veal lungs and heart), Selchfleisch (smoked meat) eaten with sauerkraut and dumplings and Knödel, a type of dumpling cooked in water- to be eaten as (a) a first course or maine or (b) a sweet type for dessert. Note: After the fall of Napolean in 1815, The Congress of Vienna took place. Celebrations and banquets were held for several months and the congress took on a moniker “The Dancing Congress". And thus for over 200 years the beginning of November signals the opening of “party time” and more than 450 banquets are held during the winter period.  

About Brno

Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. The most visited sights of the city include the Spilberk castle and fortress and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on Petrov hill, two medieval buildings that dominate the cityscape and are often depicted as its traditional symbols. The other large preserved castle near the city is Veveri Castle by the Brno Dam Lake. This castle is the site of a number of legends, as are many other places in Brno. Another architectural monument of Brno is the functionalist Villa Tugendhat which has been included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. One of the natural sights nearby is the Moravian Karst.

Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. The most visited sights of the city include the Spilberk castle and fortress and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on Petrov hill, two medieval buildings that dominate the cityscape and are often depicted as its traditional symbols. The other large preserved castle near the city is Veveri Castle by the Brno Dam Lake. This castle is the site of a number of legends, as are many other places in Brno. Another architectural monument of Brno is the functionalist Villa Tugendhat which has been included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. One of the natural sights nearby is the Moravian Karst.

About Prague

Prague has been an important cultural and economic center since the reign of Charles IV in the 14th century. The city is home to iconic sites dating back as far as the 14th century, including Charles University, the oldest in Europe; Prague Castle; and, of course, the magnificent Charles Bridge, an architectural wonder that has been connecting the two banks of the Vltava River for over 600 years. The bridge contains the figures of 30 saints that were added in the Baroque period). 

Prague has been an important cultural and economic center since the reign of Charles IV in the 14th century. The city is home to iconic sites dating back as far as the 14th century, including Charles University, the oldest in Europe; Prague Castle; and, of course, the magnificent Charles Bridge, an architectural wonder that has been connecting the two banks of the Vltava River for over 600 years. The bridge contains the figures of 30 saints that were added in the Baroque period). 

Prague’s 14th century Old Town Hall and Gothic tower are popular attractions, both for their beauty and for their views of nearby ancient buildings.  The Town Hall served as the seat of the city's rulers, and the tower, located on its southern wing, bears an iconic astronomical clock dating back to 1410. The hands of the clock are calibrated according to the time of sunset, so don’t count on it for finding out the actual time! The clock also contains the zodiac and at the top of each hour, from 9 AM to 11 PM, the bells ring and there is a moving display of the apostles that lasts for 45 seconds. The eastern wing of the Town Hall was destroyed during the uprising on May 8, 1945 and was never rebuilt. In the square behind the clock, there is a monument to Jan Hus, the Church reformer who was the inspiration for Hussitism, a predecessor to Protestantism. Hus was tried in the city of Constant in western Austria and put on the stake in 1415. The monument shows his failure in the war on the "White Mountain," and his famous sayings are engraved in stone. On the outskirts of the square stands the Church of Our Lady before Tyn. The impressive building with its multiple towers is a city icon. The original architecture is from the 14th century, but its turrets have been restored. Inside the church, there are 19 impressive altars and dozens of graves with worn tombstones – based on the ancient belief that stepping on a tombstone saves one from toothache. The impressive organ was renovated in 2000, and the triangular gable that can be seen between the towers, is an addition from the Baroque period. There is a façade in front of the church with convex capitals - this is the only structure that survived from the 13th century. The Powder Tower, a short walk from the town hall, is a remnant of the gate of the city’s walls and is where the city's supply of gunpowder was stored. The Old Town alleys, which combine many Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, also lead to Prague's Old Jewish Quarter. The synagogues, the ancient cemetery, and the story of the "Golem" from Prague reveal the history of the Jewish community that lived here for generations. The Jewish Quarter is not open at all hours of the day, so be sure to confirm opening hours before arriving. Prague’s National Museum is a fifteen-minute walk from the ancient Town Hall. Along the way, walk through Wenceslas Square, named after Wenceslas I, King of Bohemia. It is a long square surrounded by boulevards and containing the statue of Wenceslaus on his horse. In front of the museum, there is a commemorative plaque for Jan Palach, the Czech student who set himself on fire in January 1969 as a protest against the Soviet invasion of Poland. If you are a fan of Art Nouveau, be sure to visit the Mucha Museum, an impressive museum that curates the works of the artist Alphonse Mucha. Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is considered one of the oldest castles in the world, and it dominates the city's skyline. The citadel was the seat of kings and emperors for over a thousand years. The castle complex includes the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Golden Path, and other historical buildings. St. Vitus Cathedral is located within the Prague Castle complex and is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. It is the largest and most important cathedral in the Czech Republic, featuring stunning stained glass windows, beautiful chapels, and tombs of Bohemian kings and Holy Roman emperors.

About Karlovy Vary

The first Celtic settlers came there before the Middle Ages. In 14C, Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and Czech king, gave the privileges to the city. According to legend after he had acclaimed the healing power of the hot springs. Earlier settlements can be found in the outskirts of today's city. In 19C, it became a popular tourist destination, especially for international celebrities visiting for spa treatment. The city is also known for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which has become one of Europe's major film events. The famous Karlovarske oplatky (Carlsbad spa wafers) originated in the city in 1867. The city has also given its name to the delicacy known as "Carlsbad plums".

The first Celtic settlers came there before the Middle Ages. In 14C, Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and Czech king, gave the privileges to the city. According to legend after he had acclaimed the healing power of the hot springs. Earlier settlements can be found in the outskirts of today's city. In 19C, it became a popular tourist destination, especially for international celebrities visiting for spa treatment. The city is also known for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which has become one of Europe's major film events. The famous Karlovarske oplatky (Carlsbad spa wafers) originated in the city in 1867. The city has also given its name to the delicacy known as "Carlsbad plums".

About Nuremberg

Nuremberg was, according to the first documentary mention of the city in 1050, the location of a roman Imperial castle and is often referred to as having been the 'unofficial capital' of the Holy Roman Empire. Because of the city's relevance to the Holy Roman Empire and its position in the centre of Germany, the Nazi Party chose the city to be the site of huge Nazi Party conventions – the Nuremberg rallies. Between 1945 and 1946, German officials involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity were brought before an international tribunal in the Nuremberg Trials. Sites in Nuremberg include: Nuremberg Castle an Heilig-Geist-Spital, the largest hospital of the Middle Ages.

Nuremberg was, according to the first documentary mention of the city in 1050, the location of a roman Imperial castle and is often referred to as having been the 'unofficial capital' of the Holy Roman Empire. Because of the city's relevance to the Holy Roman Empire and its position in the centre of Germany, the Nazi Party chose the city to be the site of huge Nazi Party conventions – the Nuremberg rallies. Between 1945 and 1946, German officials involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity were brought before an international tribunal in the Nuremberg Trials. Sites in Nuremberg include: Nuremberg Castle an Heilig-Geist-Spital, the largest hospital of the Middle Ages.

About Regensburg

A charming, peaceful city with preserved medieval buildings and sites, the city has a wide range of attractions and activities, including museums, historical sites, restaurants and pubs. 

A charming, peaceful city with preserved medieval buildings and sites, the city has a wide range of attractions and activities, including museums, historical sites, restaurants and pubs. 

A landmark of the city, the Regensburg Cathedral known as St. Peter's Cathedral, is a 13tn century Gothic architectural masterpiece. The Cathedral, visible from afar, boasts an impressive nave and transept, an ornate choir stage and a magnificent silver and gilded copper high altar (which took about 100 years to create).  The colorful stained-glass windows date back to the 13th-14th centuries. The construction of the cathedral, which is the only Gothic church in Bavaria, took about 600 years to build and it was not until 1869 that the construction of the two spires and gables were completed.  The Chapel of All Saints (Allerheiligenkapelle) which is in the cathedral cloisters, was created by Italian artisans. The frescos and sculptures are considered masterpieces of Italian Romanesque art. A masterpiece of engineering of its time, The Old Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke) constructed in the 12th century, was once the only bridge spanning the Danube River. It is the oldest bridge and was erected almost 900 years ago. It was once the only bridge linking the banks of the Danube between Vienna and the city of Ulm as well, at the time, the bridge was a status symbol and contributed greatly to progress and economic power. Only the southern tower of the three gates survived.Secret: Before the stone bridge was built, a wooden bridge was created by Charlemagne near the present beautiful arched bridge. The wooden bridge, however, was problematic and that was why a new bridge had to be made and that, my friends, is the Old Stone Bridge. In 1245, when Emperor Frederick II declared the Regensburg a free imperial city, they built the Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). The structure with elements of Baroque and Gothic style, includes three wings, the Town Hall’s Reichstag Museum and the almost 200m clocktower.  The city also boasts many museums with exhibitions about the history and culture of Regensburg and its surroundings.  The Regensburg Museum of History offers an overview of the city's history from Roman times to the present day. The Domschatz Regensburg Museum is in the St. Peter's Cathedral in rooms of former bishops’ residences.  These displays are from the cathedral’s art treasures and artefacts starting from the Middle Ages.,  Haidplatz Square is a wonderfully picturesque area that includes some well-preserved medieval buildings and where you can actually appreciate the beautiful architecture of the city. Inaugurated by King Ludwig I in 1842, the Walhalla Temple, built as a Parthenon replica, is in Donaustauf, just east of the city. It is what we would call “A Hall of Fame”. It was a hall built to memorialize fallen heroes, men and women, to be an inspiration for the people. It includes memorial plaques and busts of those who Ludwig I deemed to be heroes. Regensburg is also famous for its Regensburger Wurst (sausage) introduced in the late 195h century. The pork sausages are smoked and boiled and mixed with a variety of (secret) spices.  Hot or cold, they can be served in a bun or mixed in salads or eaten with side order of sauerkraut dumplings and potatoes. The  Zum Goldenen Kreuz restaurant, which is very popular eatery in the city, was once the neoclassical Tom Dittmer Palace, where Emperor Charles V regularly stayed and was later owned by a wealthy merchant family.

About Linz

In the 1st century the fortress Lentia was part of a chain of Roman forts built along the Danube River guarding the trade routes that crossed the region in the northern part of Austria. Then, in the 8th century, Lentia had its name changed to Linz, which is the third largest city and the capital of Upper Austria. 

In the 1st century the fortress Lentia was part of a chain of Roman forts built along the Danube River guarding the trade routes that crossed the region in the northern part of Austria. Then, in the 8th century, Lentia had its name changed to Linz, which is the third largest city and the capital of Upper Austria. 

A little history: In the early part of the year 1500 the longest bridge in the world as it was then, was built in Linz and 400 years later the renowned Nibelungenbrücke bridge was built in the same place, replacing the old bridge with a new one. The Nibelungenbrücke connects the inner city of Linz and the Urfahr district. Do take time out to visit the Linz-Genesis Museum which will give you the history of the city Linz. The Altes Rathaus (Town Hall), built in 1513 in the Gothic-Renaissance-Baroque style, stands in the middle of the main square in Linz and on the other side you have the impressive 20-meter-high white marble column called the Trinity Column, which in 1716 was designed in the Baroque Style by Sebastian Stumpfegger. Above the column you have St Maria Immaculata and an inscription that expresses thanks and gratitude as well as prayers for protection against war, plague and fire. The patron Saints Sebastian, Florian and Carlo Borromeo stand guard as protectors. Interesting Note: In the 17th and 18th centuries it was common in the Catholic communities to create and put up a Marian column (religious monument) depicting Christian figures or symbols as a religious monument. This was a way of showing faith and gratitude for those who survived catastrophes such as the plague or war. Try to be in the area of the Feichtinger-Haus which houses the famous Glockenspiel. A few times a day, there are musical interludes when the bells play different compositions by Austrian composers. The Church of Ignatius or the Jesuit Church, referred to as the Old Linz Cathedral (Alter Dom) was built in the 17th century in the Baroque style. When approaching the church, you might notice that the exterior is rather unimpressive, especially compared to other religious buildings. However, when you enter you will find the interior quite ornate in the Baroque-style of the time.  The organ is a very special attraction, still in its original state, built according to specifications of Anton Brucker, who was a composer of symphonies as well as being a great organist.  He was renowned for his religious works like Te Deum and Motets. If you can, climb up almost 400 steps (according to the last count there are exactly 395) you can capture a “Kodak Moment” from the bell tower. The 19th century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which is the New Cathedral (Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom) is an impressive neo-Gothic building and is the largest in all of Austria.  Mozart stayed but a few days in Linz, in a building from the 16th century (now referred to as Mozarthaus). A bust of Mozart was placed at the entrance to the house to commemorate this visit. After all, this is where he composed the Piano Sonata B flat major, k.333. Note: Please note unless otherwise stated, there is no entrance to the Mozarthaus. A landmark of Linz, the Wallfahrtsbasilika - Sieben Schmerzen Mariae (the Pöstlingberg-Kirche church dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, is perched high on a hill with incredible views of Linz.  To reach this church which was built in the mid 1700’s, you take the funicular from the main square.   Landstrasse is a great shopping area known throughout Austria, with its malls, brand-name stores, cafes and restaurants. And while you’re there, remember that you cannot leave Linz without tasting the icon dessert “Linzertorte”, a dessert that includes a selection of nuts and berry jam in a flat dough. “A sweet farewell to a charming city”! Scrumptious!

About Melk

Melk is best known as the site of a massive baroque Benedictine monastery named Melk Abbey. The enchanting town is full of old buildings, in use today as mundane shops and the like. The Forsthaus, which accommodates the city archives and the tourist information office, the beautiful Rathaus built in 1575, which has been restored and is still standing today, the old bread store with its tiny towers is about 400 years old and is still covered with the original shingle roof. The hidden Haus am Stein ('house at the rock') is the oldest building of Melk, built during the 15th century. Its facade is covered by a protected ancient vine.

Melk is best known as the site of a massive baroque Benedictine monastery named Melk Abbey. The enchanting town is full of old buildings, in use today as mundane shops and the like. The Forsthaus, which accommodates the city archives and the tourist information office, the beautiful Rathaus built in 1575, which has been restored and is still standing today, the old bread store with its tiny towers is about 400 years old and is still covered with the original shingle roof. The hidden Haus am Stein ('house at the rock') is the oldest building of Melk, built during the 15th century. Its facade is covered by a protected ancient vine.

About Vienna

Everybody wants to visit Vienna. Not only is it the capital city of Austria, it is an exciting metropolis with a rich background in history, art and especially music. The city is known for its grand Ring Road, lined with impressive buildings including museums such as the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History. If you want to be witness to the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty then make sure to tour the former residences of the royal family at the Schönbrunn Palace and the magnificent gardens as well as the Hofburg Palace and the Belvedere Palace, with its baroque architecture.

Everybody wants to visit Vienna. Not only is it the capital city of Austria, it is an exciting metropolis with a rich background in history, art and especially music. The city is known for its grand Ring Road, lined with impressive buildings including museums such as the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History. If you want to be witness to the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty then make sure to tour the former residences of the royal family at the Schönbrunn Palace and the magnificent gardens as well as the Hofburg Palace and the Belvedere Palace, with its baroque architecture.

Vienna (Wein) has 23 districts (Wiener Gemeindebezirkein) and each district offers diverse attractions including art galleries, café, museums, palaces, restaurants etc. each with its pros and cons. Starting in 1850, as the city kept growing and including the surrounding communities the city gave them numbers for easy clarification and reference.  The 1st District (Innere Stadt) is the old town and is encircled by the Ringstrasse (The Vienna Ring Road) which is about 5 km long. It is divided into nine sections; each has a ring extension. In 2001, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is much to see in the inner circle including St. Stephan's Cathedral (Stephansdom), Hofburg Palace, the Natural History and Art History Museum, Wiener Rathaus (Vienna City Hall) the State Opera House and much more. Did you know that there are over 100 museums in Vienna! Besides the museums there are theatres, dance and music halls, restaurants, bars, exhibitions, restaurants, bars, cafes and lots of nature trails. Renowned artists whose works are hung in museums around the world and musicians whose music is played by international symphony orchestras were from Vienna. For example - Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) a symbolist painter and important influential member of the Vienna Secession movement (is there anyone who hasn’t seen his painting “Judith and the Head of Holofernes”; Egon Schiele (1890-1980) the Austrian expressionist who painted powerful personal paintings and Oskar Kokoschka the Expressionist, as well as Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000) whose startling works can be seen in what used to be his home in the 3rd district. Note: The family was Jewish, their original name was Stowasser and to save themselves during WWII they disguised themselves as Catholics and the young Friedrich even joined the Hitler Movement to avoid being targeted. It was only after the war that he then decided to change his name.  Just saying and just mentioning a few of the most renowned Austrian composers, in alphabetical order (feel free to add to this list): Anton Bruckner, Joseph Haydn, Franz Liszt, Joseph Haydn, Gustav Mahler, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert; their compositions can be heard around the world. in opera houses, theaters, concert halls and churches. Hofburg Imperial Palace which was built in the 13th century was the former main residence of the Habsburg monarchy. The palace contains 2600 rooms and some of them are spectacular museums on various themes and exhibitions. The various collections are housed in separate rooms and include musical instruments, weapons and armor, the ceremonial room (State Hall) in the Austrian National Library (Österreichische Nationalbibliothek) one of the most impressive in the world, with more than 12,000,000 books and item. The Imperial Treasury (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer) includes two imperial crowns as well as the Burgundian treasure and the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Sisi museum in honor of Empress Elisabeth and so much more. On the outskirts of the palace is the famous Spanish Riding School where to this day they continue the training of Lipizzaner horses. Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) which was the summer “vacation” home for the Habsburgs is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered Austria's most popular and most visited tourist attraction. It is of great importance for its architectural design and its spectacular neoclassical colonnade and manicured gardens which includes the palm house (Palmenhaus) from around 1880 is home to exotic plants growing in 3 pavilions in this huge greenhouse and the Maze (a terrific place for children as well). St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. It is also one of Austria’s most prevalent attractions with about one million visitors a year! Architecturally it is a very important building in the Gothic style, although it has been added to, altered and redecorated over the many decades or more accurately centuries! However, if it is that “Kodak Moment” you are yearning for, then you will have to climb up over 300 steps to the bell tower for a magnificent view of the city with its colorful tiled rooves. Belvedere is actually two palaces in the Baroque style - the Orangery and the Palace Stables. As well, the Belvedere is home to the Austrian Art Museum with works by leading Austrian artists such as Egon Schiele and Kokoschka Oskar, Gustav Klimt (“The Kiss” is on view, in the Lower Belvedere Museum). The Museum of Art History (Kunsthistorisches Museum), considered one of the top museums in the world, was built near the Imperial Palace in the late 1800’s. There just wasn’t enough room in the Imperial Palace for the incredible huge art collections of the royal family, as well as the most extensive collection of Bruegal art anywhere. Today they also exhibit the works of top artists from the Middle Ages to the 19th century including paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) and Titian (Tiziano Vecelli).  The Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper) was one of the first of the monumental buildings to be built on the Ringstrasse and is renowned throughout the world. If you are a real opera buff you will be excited to know that the acoustics have been improved (with great difficulty because the building is under a preservation order). There are daily ballets and operas and visitors are welcome to view the impressive building. The Vienna Prater is a fantastic large public park in Leopoldstadt and the amusement park (The Wurstelprater) usually referred to as "Prater" is on one side of the park, with over 200 attractions including the iconic Ferris Wheel (Wiener Riesenrad) from the late 1800’s.Note: For easy access, an underground railway now stops near to the entrance of the Prater. Traditional dishes of the Viennese cuisine: Wiener schnitzel (veal coated in breadcrumbs and fried), Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Beuschel (a ragout containing veal lungs and heart), Selchfleisch (smoked meat) eaten with sauerkraut and dumplings and Knödel, a type of dumpling cooked in water- to be eaten as (a) a first course or maine or (b) a sweet type for dessert. Note: After the fall of Napolean in 1815, The Congress of Vienna took place. Celebrations and banquets were held for several months and the congress took on a moniker “The Dancing Congress". And thus for over 200 years the beginning of November signals the opening of “party time” and more than 450 banquets are held during the winter period.