Austria is considered one of the most beautiful countriesThe European continent, on the territory of which are combined ultramarine lakes and majestic Alps with non-glaciers, green-emerald alpine lawns and ancient cities with truly luxurious architecture. To understand what a luxurious, royal-like Austria is, Vienna's sights are worth a look first. Only in the territory of the majestic capital are built many monumental buildings of the imperial era, for decades old cozy cafes and unusual confectioneries function. These sights of old Austria will be appreciated by all without exception.
Visiting Vienna
Walking around Vienna, you will see a grandioseThe building of the Opera, which appeared on the city map during the infamous Emperor Franz Josef in the beginning of the XVIII century. There were famous balls, Austrian aristocrats shone in costly outfits, and now the Vienna Opera makes an indelible impression on every tourist who goes to one of the most interesting performances or simply looks at the exquisite facade of a grandiose monument of architecture. If you are interested in royal Austria, its attractions should be considered for a long time and carefully, not losing sight of any palace complex of the world's most famous European capital. One such complex is the elegant Rococo Belvedere Palace, it consists of two mansions erected in the 18th century, located opposite each other. On the territory of Vienna is another royal palace and park ensemble - this is an easy and almost weightless Schönbrunn Palace, for more than two centuries played the role of the summer residence of the Austrian imperial family. Real Austria, whose amazing sights will familiarize tourists with the history of the Habsburg dynasty, will open during a visit to the majestic Hofburg Palace. The palace complex appeared on the map of Vienna as far back as 1279, but for its centuries-old history its architectural appearance underwent many changes, as each emperor wished to contribute something to the architecture of the winter residence. Now Hofburg is a plexus of buildings made in different architectural styles, high walls and cozy courtyards, weightless galleries, where art objects are exhibited. For acquaintance with Hofburg it is necessary to allocate all the day, as other sights of Austria can not offer such a large-scale excursion program. On the territory of the Hofburg is the residence of the President of Austria, therefore for visiting tourists only part of the grandiose palace complex is open. But tourists will get a lot of impressions during performances of pupils of the riding school, examination of the arena, visiting the royal treasury, the imperial apartments and the chapel, the building of the national library. Passing through the gate, made in the Renaissance style, you can go to the Swiss courtyard, the arrangement of which is connected with the name of Maria Theresa. This is one of the oldest parts of the imperial residence, the formation of which was completed in the middle of the XVI century, and the dominant building in the middle of the Swiss courtyard is the Palace of Stalburg. A three-story building with magnificent arcades is of artistic value, and in its lower tier there are still stables containing only the best horses of the Lipizzan breed. During the visit to the Hofburg palace complex you can see the Amalie castle and the Leopold outhouse, the Mikaelert gate, view the exposition of the Ephesus and Ethnographic Museum, admire the collection of musical instruments and weapons. But during your stay in Vienna, do not limit yourself to sightseeing programs related to the Hofburg palace complex, as you are waited by equally interesting sights of Austria, including the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral. The main Catholic temple of the Austrian capital is in the Stefanplatz square, and its precursor was a small medieval basilica, which was completed, refurbished and rebuilt for more than one century. Now St. Stephen's Cathedral is a bright masterpiece of baroque architecture, the walls of its facade are decorated with carved masks and strict sculptural compositions. But the portals of the temple look especially wonderful thanks to an unusual ornament, in the patterns of which the outlines of birds and people, as well as mythical and fairy animals, can be traced.
Sights of Salzburg
Another city that attracts tourists,is Salzburg, in whose territory the most interesting sights of Austria are located, and some of them are connected with the life of the great composer Mozart. On the street Getreidegasse 9, there is a Rococo house where Mozart himself was born and spent his infancy, and in the local cafes you can still hear unforgettable music written by the most famous native of Salzburg. One of the masterpieces of medieval architecture, situated in the middle of the Alpine mountains of the fabulous Salzburg, is the powerful fortress of Hohensalburg. Originally its fortifications were wooden, and only in the XVI century in their place was built an impregnable stone fortification fortification. The walls of the fortress can be quickly reached by cable car, without climbing up the mountain paths, and from its territory a truly fabulous view opens up to the historical downtowns of Salzburg located below, opening to us all the sights of ancient Austria in this city. Walking along the banks of the Salzach River, you can admire the views of the powerful bastion of Hattver-Bastai, and then head to the picturesque Mirabell Park, which appeared on the map of Salzburg in the 17th century. One of the highlights of the park is an unusual garden of gnomes, plunging tourists into the fabulous world of unusual creatures that influenced the mythology of Austria. During a holiday in Salzburg you can combine skiing on the ski areas located in the vicinity of the town with a tour of the unique architectural monuments, the tour of the ensembles of Mozart Square with the largest church of Michaelkirche. With the architecture of the Residentsplatz square you need to get acquainted more closely, as there are many interesting buildings on its territory, among which stands the Archbishop's residence and the romantic fountain Resizensbrunnen.
Visit Innsbruck and Tyrol
When traveling in the Alpine region, you canVisit the town of Innsbruck, known as a prestigious ski resort. As in other ancient cities, there are unique sights of Austria, among which there are temples and an old castle. The emblem of Innsbruck is the "Golden Roof" - an ancient medieval building where the Habsburg residence once settled, and now in the old walls there is a museum that acquaints tourists with the life of the ruling dynasty of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When traveling through the Tyrolean Alpine region, do not miss the majestic castle in Ambras, built in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, which is called the miracle of the Austrian renaissance. In the middle of old medieval walls there are theatrical shows and concerts, and access to the castle courtyard is open all year round. In addition to the magnificent park surrounding the old castle, you can see its inner chambers and museum exposition. Of particular interest are the Spanish Hall and the unusual Portrait Gallery, which features works by Van Dyck, Titian, Rubens, and a collection of antique weapons. We advise you to read: