Vienna City Tour
Day 6-7
"I grew up in Europe, where the history comes from."
~ Eddie Izzard
St. Stephen's Cathedral, or Stephansdom, is the focal point around which the entire old city pivots. Even after requiring extensive post-war restoration, it's a gothic masterpiece. Our hotel was right across the square - impossible to get more convenient than that!
The Secession Building, built in 1898 to act as an architectural representation of the ideals of the Vienna Secession - not a political concept but an artistic one. A group of artists (most notably Gustav Klimt) broke away from the long-standing traditions of fine art in order to forge new styles. The building is also featured on the back of one of Austria's Euro coins.
The Plague Column, built in the late 1600s to commemorate the Great Plague of 1679, as well as to glorify Emperor Leopold I, who liked to claim responsibility for the plague's end.
The Burgtor, built in 1821 to celebrate Austrian military victory over Napoleon. Gerhard told us that even though there are 5 gates, only the emperor was allowed to pass through the middle one. So guess which one I used.
The Third Man Museum is a treasure trove of WWII relics. To the right is a lineup of headwear from across the Allied forces.
Examples of WWII-era ration cards.
This was an example of a care package that US citizens could send to Austrians in the post-war era. It contained a variety of non-perishable necessities, as well as an envelope addressed to the American patron. And if the American didn't receive a thank-you note within a certain amount of time, they'd get a refund for the cost of the box. It's sadly kind of hard to imagine our country doing that now.
We had standing room tickets, which, in retrospect, might not have been the best choice after a week of being on our feet, but... Vienna Philharmonic! The best viola players in the world! I mean, the best of every instrument, but we all know where my priorities lie. It may have been almost unbearable agony of de feet, but 100% worth it.
And now it's time to reveal my bucket-list achievement... a concert of the Vienna Philharmonic in their home hall, the Großer Saal (Great Hall) of the Musikverein.
