The original core of the city of Vienna was the ancient Vindobona, founded by the Romans around 100 AD.
Initially a simple military encampment, it slowly became a thriving medieval city, thanks to its privileged location in the center of the trade routes in Europe. The peak of the city’s development occurred between 1438 and 1918, when, for more than five centuries, Vienna was the capital of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty.
Bathed by the beautiful blue Danube, Vienna began to acquire fine churches, monuments, parks and palaces thanks to the resourcefulness of emperors such as Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II. During the 18th century, Vienna became one of Europe's major cultural centers and, above all, the capital of music, for which it remains highly renowned today. Just think, for example, of the world-famous New Year's Eve Concert, broadcast all over the globe from the Great Hall of the Musikverein, or the countless musical events held throughout the city, in parks, churches, theaters or concert halls. But here in Vienna you’ll be accompanied not only by the notes of the great composers who lived here, such as Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven or Strauss; they will also be joined by the delightful decorations of the Art Nouveau buildings, such as those designed by Otto Wagner, or the futuristic silhouettes of ultra-modern structures.
And to end on a high note, how can we fail to mention the most beautiful ring road in the world, completed in 1864 at the behest of the indefatigable Emperor Franz Joseph? I’m referring, of course, to the Ring, a World Heritage Site since 2001: an architectural walkway of about five kilometers, dotted with splendid parks and imposing buildings, which still protects the historic center in an elegant embrace. A walk around the Ring is the best way to get a real idea of the magnificence of the city!
An interesting fact: Vienna, frequently named in recent years as one of the most livable cities on the planet, is nicknamed the “city of dreams”. This is not, however, due to its grand beauty, but to the Viennese neurologist and psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, the most celebrated interpreter of dreams.
So get ready to visit the wonders of this city.
Enjoy your stay!
Language: English