Monuments marking lives of influence, churches honouring saints with lavish architectural detail, and castles built to amuse royalty fill the eye with wonder around every turn.
Today we toured Vienna.
Once the home of Vienna's Royalty, Hofburg Castle houses St. Augustine Church, the Austrian National Library, the Imperial Silver Collection and even a horse riding school. The magnificent Imperial Palace now houses the office of the president of Austria.
The Hapsburg family commissioned the building of Schonbrunn Castle to mimic the castle of Versaille. Original furnishings and wall sized paintings are on display. Many walls still display magnificent full length tapestries commissioned by the Hapsburgs or given to them as gifts. One chamber houses original works of art by members of the Hapsburg family. The opulent and lavish lifestyles of this first family of Vienna is reflected in the various treasures on display.
Outside the gardens display manicure lawns and well maintained flower beds. Fruit bearing orange trees mark attention to detail and an extravagance of care and maintenance.
St. Stephen's Church also known as Stephansdom was originally completed in 1160. Over many centuries the Church evolved to its current form displaying Romanesque Gothic architecture. Statues, emblems, towers and the mosaic tiled roof are landmarks in Vienna.
Having only hours to explore and appreciate this city we are left wanting more. Perhaps one day we will return to explore more of this city treasures.
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