Viennese waltz and Viennese sausages, Hofburg and Fiaker, Mozart and Emperor Franz Joseph: Are these also the things that come to your mind when you first think of the city of Vienna?
In the heart of Europe, the Danube metropolis lies on the eastern edge of the Alps. The largest inner-city wine-growing area is also located on the gentle hills. In the self-proclaimed world capital of music, buildings and monuments from the imperial era are omnipresent. Vienna stands for pure quality of life and is also one of the most popular congress cities. But that’s not all: castles, churches, architectural buildings and cultural highlights await you in the city. There is a lot of art and culture in Vienna. See for yourself!
Not without reason, the city of Vienna is also known as the capital of Art Nouveau. Numerous buildings of this art epoch can be found here. Famous artists significantly influenced the city at the time of Art Nouveau around 1900. Let’s go on a little Art Nouveau tour through the city.
Have you ever heard of Otto Wagner?
Otto Wagner had a significant influence on the city at the turn of the century and contributed a great deal to Art Nouveau with his architecture. When Vienna’s light rail system was built in 1898, the Otto Wagner Pavilion, designed by Wagner, was built on Karlsplatz, from where the trains once ran to Hütteldorf. The many decorative details quickly establish a connection with Viennese Art Nouveau. The signal color of the city railroad was picked up by metal and wood in apple green. Wagner kept the exteriors in gold and noble white marble. Today you will find a museum here, where you can view documentation on the life and works of Otto Wagner.
Other famous works by Otto Wagner during the Art Nouveau period are the Hofpavillon Hietzing, the Wienzeilenhäuser, the Majolikahaus, the Kirche am Steinhof and many others.
Besides Otto Wagner, there is another important, if not the most important artist of Viennese Art Nouveau: Gustav Klimt.
In 1897, he founded an art association, the Secession, whose eponymous building was completed the following year. Today, the Secession is probably one of the most famous buildings in Vienna. When you stand in front of the Secession, the imposing golden foliage dome will immediately catch your eye, which is also a symbol of the time.
Wondering what exactly you can see in the building? Just take a look! In the basement you can admire Gustav Klimt’s famous ‘Beethoven Frieze’, which is a sovereign interpretation of Beethoven’s 9th symphony. On the floors above, you can view around 20 changing exhibitions of contemporary artists each year on an exhibition area of 1,000 m².
Otto Wagner’s buildings and the Secession are by no means all that the city of Vienna has to offer in terms of Art Nouveau. With the House Portois & Fix, the Pharmacy to the White Angel, the Anchor Clock and the Zacherlhaus, you will find many other exciting buildings of the Art Nouveau period in Vienna.
The Austrian city on the Elbe also draws you under the spell of harmonious piano music and horse-drawn carriages passing through the streets in front of the famous castles.
Vienna is especially famous for its castles. Belvedere Palace, Schönbrunn Palace and Neuwaldegg Palace are just a few significant examples. Each of them has their charms. You can quickly fall in love with the magnificent architecture or the impressive palace grounds.
However, castles are by far not all that Vienna has to offer! Another highlight is the Vienna Prater, which is almost as famous as the Wiener Schnitzel.
The Prater is an extensive park area and includes the famous amusement park. From the historic Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, you can enjoy an impressive view of the city. A visit to the Prater is worthwhile, as is a visit to the famous zoo, Schönbrunn.
If you can’t get enough of Viennese culture, you should also not miss a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The “Steffl”, known by the locals, is the landmark of the city and with almoost 137 meters, also a famous photo motif.
For today, we have given you enough insights into the city, yet there is much more to discover in this diverse city with its countless sights!
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