Hofburg
People admire it. The dynasty is now myth. Hofburg used
to be the home of Austria's rulers since the beginning of 13th
Century. The guided tour will to the Imperial Apartment. Out
of total 2,500 rooms only 22 State and living rooms are open
to the public. You'll get to see the living and drawing rooms
of the emperors, including the lavishly decorated sitting room
of King Franz Joseph, the exercise room of queen Sissi, it is
believed that, she was very fussy about her appearance and looks,
etc. Enough to perceive an image of the dynasty and the grandeur
if the bygone life
The Palace is also home to the ancient musical instruments
in Sammlung Alter Musikinstrumente exhibiting range of instruments
of all shapes and sizes; Österreichische Nationalbibliothek"
(National Library), the Museum für Völkerkunde (Ethnological
Museum)
Kunsthistorisches Museum
After it magnificently opened in 1891, most of the imperial
Habsburg collections were stored here under one roof. The monumental,
newly created museum on the celebrated Vienna Ringstrasse was
the first successful attempt to accommodate most of the collections
under one roof. The building was designed at par with Italian
renaissance style and represents a cenotaph to Habsburg patronage.
Two architects, named Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer
designed this beautiful building and immortalised Habsburgs'
passion for collecting art.
The magnificent architecture and design by the duo makes it
splendid set for the artistic possessions collected by the Habsburgs
throughout centuries. The collections include Giovanni Bellini's
Young Women Brushing her Hair (1515), Pieter Bruegel, Hunters
in the Snow (1565),
Pieter Bruegel, The Tower of Babel (1563), Lucas Cranach, Judith
with the Head of Holophernas,(1530), Albrecht Durer, Madonna
and Child, 1512, Jan van Eyck, Cardinal Niccolo Albergati (1435),
Lorenzo Lotto, Portrait of a Young Man (1508), Mantanga, St.
Sebastian (1457-59) among others.
Opens daily from 10-6 PM. Thursday 10-9PM. Monday closed.
Schloss Schönbrunn
One of the most beautiful palaces surrounded by huge park
and majestic buildings, Schönbrunn Palace served as a summer
residence to Habsburg kings.
In the end of 17th century, the construction was started for
this building. A gentleman called Johann Fischer von Erlach
designed it. While making, Schönbrunn Castle has seen the
rise and fall of Habsburg dynasty, which was completed between,
as per history, 1746 to 1749. Nikolaus von Pacasi created the
interiors, done lightening by original Baroque style and the
famous great and small galleries were built. An additional court
theatre was also embarked at Maria Teresa's personal request.
It was originally not in the blue print, the theatre, performed
as a private theatre for the royal family and the children of
the Empress often appeared in stage plays and entertained the
court.
Spanish Riding School
Founded in 1572, The Spanish Riding School is the oldest
and probably the last equestrian school in the world which teaches
skills (classic dressage) that have not changed a bit in centuries.
Its name's derived from the horses which were born and bred
in Spain.
Originally this school was conceptualised by famous Imperial
Architect Joseph Fischer in between 1729 and 1735. Now the riders
of the school train those horses and perform in the Barque hall.
The school since its inception has been continuously featuring
the powerful and beautiful Lipizzaner horses. Descendants of
these Spanish stocks are known as Andalusians, these Lipizzaner
are regarded to be the oldest and classic horse race in Europe.
The shows are booked well in advance. The horses normally
take a break in July and August.
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