The old town of Salzburg is a panorama of spectacular beauty and majestic Baroque architecture. It is known as one of the loveliest city in the whole of Europe and is a world heritage site.

It is the birthplace of the famous musician and composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Salzburg Old Town is a stunning sight. It sits on the bank of the River of Salzach where the ancient Roman settlements were once located. It is a lovely postcard town. It is one place that can easily be appreciated for its beauty and its location as well as the views that it offers.

In 1997, it is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The city has strict preservation laws which allow it to maintain its beauty and ardor despite its development.

A walk in the old town allows you to relish its magnificent sites. It is crowned by the Hohensalzburg Fortress which was built in 1077 and is fully preserved until today. The fortress had served as a temporary shelter to prince archbishops and also as a military camp and a prison. Presently the fortress is open to public viewing especially to those who want to travel back in time to this amazing old town.

It is also the location of various churches that offer the best Baroque designs. A walk in the Salzburg Old Town is truly reminiscent of past times, especially because of the beautiful churches that give an ancient feel to it.

What is truly remarkable about Salzburg Old Town is how it manages to preserve the beauty of the city making it a spectacular site for tourists to visit.

This wonderful town is also the location for various parts of the production of “The Sound of Music,” a film by the 20th Century Fox Film Company.

The Kunthistorisches Museum in Vienna is considered as one of the most important premier museums in the world. It is located near the Hofburg Imperial Palace and is the home of the Habsburg imperial collection.

The Kunthistorisches Museum was erected across the Naturhistorisches Museum and both of these museums are characterized with the same exterior.

The museum was a major museum building in the 19th century. It represents the expansion of the city and is built in the honor of Emperor Franz Joseph I.

The primary collection held by the Kunthistorisches Museum is the comprehensive collection of the Habsburg. The most important imperial dynasty of Austria has a wide collection of art and the construction of Kunthistorisches was intended to make the Habsburg art collection open to the public.

It is home to various collections that are famous in the world.

1. Egyptian and Near Asian Collection. It features a wide collection of Egyptian relics which originated from the Predynastic period of Egypt and dates back to four thousand years ago. It shows the development of the Egyptian culture in terms of history and writing and includes ancient items from the Mediterranean, Mesopotamia, as well as the Arabian Peninsula.

2. Greek and Roman Antiquities. The oldest and the most unique diversity of Greek and Roman ancient items can be found in this collection. Relics of the Bronze Age ceramics to the Early Medieval period are the most important items included in it.

3. Picture Gallery. It is the art collection of the House of Habsburg. It holds various masterpieces of world renowned artists like Raphael, Rembrandt, Velazquez, as well as Italian Baroque painters.

4. Sculpture and Decorative Arts. A unique collection of sculptures and decorations that showcases the extraordinary things that emperor’s and imperial family members have commissioned to find and purchased.

5. The Coin Cabinet. The largest and most important coin collection in the world.

6. The Theater Collection of the Austrian National Library. It is a public library that is home to the extensive book collection of Burgtheater actor, Hugo Thimig. It contains over 90,000 books and references that emphasize art, music, dance, and theater.

The Kunthistorisches Museum is a world class museum that is an experience of culture, history, and the arts in each of its corners.

The Schönbrunn Palace is the former imperial summer residence in Austria. It is also a major tourist attraction that has captured the hearts of crowds who visit Vienna. Known as a museum and a park at the same time, it shows the elegance and the aspirations of the Habsburg members.

It is renowned as an important cultural monument in Austria and is included in the World Cultural Heritage List of the UNESCO in 1996.

It was originally owned by the Habsburgs ever since the reign of Maximilian II. The end of the dynasty marked its transfer to the republic. Since then, it has played the role of a cultural attraction and a tourist destination. It has also maintained its place as a national gem and an artistic historical symbol for Austria.

The gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace has served as a major recreation area for locals and tourists alike. Its original form which features a Baroque layout as well as the improvements done during Maria Theresa’s last years can still be seen all throughout the gardens.

The Baroque design of the gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace was made to create an impact as a symbol of the imperial power in Austria. It also serves as an extension of the astounding interiors of the palace.

The Imperial Apartments of the Schönbrunn Palace had been transformed into museums. These museums pay large tribute to the imperial couple, Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth.

From being the a summer residence of the Habsburgs to becoming a cultural monument in the world, the Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria’s most important contributions not only to architecture but to culture and history as well.

The wonderful garden, the splendid Baroque architecture, the cultural heritage, and its historical element make it one of the top destinations in the world. The beauty of the Schönbrunn Palace is undeniably one of the reasons why you should visit Austria.

The Hofburg Imperial Palace is the official residence of the Federal President of Austria. It has accommodated some of the most influential persons in Austrian history and is known as Habsburg’s winter residence during their dynasty.

It is historical for being the political center of monarchy in Austria. The rooms of the imperial palace had once been devoted to the revolutionary plans of reform by the late Emperor Joseph II. It had also witnessed functions for the Congress of Austria and catered to many different people for Emperor Franz Joseph. Its rich history is enough to make it a popular palace in Austria.

The world of the Habsburg, the most significant royal house in Austria, can be experienced in the Hofburg Imperial Palace. It is the home of the Imperial Silver Collection, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Apartments.

1. The Imperial Silver Collection. A range of objects that is necessary in the Imperial Household. It magnificently shows the culture of dining in the palace.

2. The Sisi Museum. If you want to take a peek at the world of the great Empress Elisabeth, you can visit the Sisi Museum and find most of the personal items that belonged to the queen.

The beautiful Empress was often misunderstood and has a great passion for traveling. The Sisi Museum is one of the places where you can find true insight and recollection of the historic icon, Empress Elisabeth.

3. The Imperial Apartments. It is an insight to the world of Austria’s most distinguished couple, Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. It is also a showcase of the rooms that each member of Habsburg clan has occupied during their reign.

The home of the illustrious imperial dynasty of Austria, the Hofburg Imperial Palace gives you a taste of the country’s history, its culture, elegance, and fame.

If you are looking for a different thrill with the most astounding natural scenery that you can find, the Eisriesenwelt Caves in Werfen, Austria will capture your heart as an amazing limestone ice cave.

The Eisriesenwelt Caves is a natural ice cave in the Salzburg area. The caves are open from the 1st of May until late October. It is the biggest ice cave system in the world and is known to cater to most tourists in the midst of the summer heat.

Its name suits its exploits best. Eisriesenwelt literally means the World of Ice Giants and indeed it is. The mountainside caves of Salzburg is known for the largest ice formations and the wonderful view of these formations will surely make you feel amazed at the beauty that nature offers on this side of Austria.

It was discovered initially by a natural scientist named Anton Posselt. It was known to the locals as the gateway towards hell which is mainly the reason why no one dared to enter the caves during that time. In 1880, upon Posselt’s discovery of the caves, he published a report that was soon forgotten by the community.

It was Alexander von Mörk, a cave specialist and explorer, who remembered Posselt and his discovery. He started the explorations in the mountains which were followed by the others. Later, when the first routes in the mountains were created, the caves soon rose to fame as tourists began to flourish in the area.

A tour in the Eisriesenwelt Caves is worth every second. From the entrance, the tour will be directed to the Posselt Hall towards a big room with a stalagmite formation named the Posselt Tower. Then, it continues inward where a cross marker can be seen as the sign of the farthest area that Posselt reached in his exploration.

Large ice formations will follow soon after that point. The area where the largest and tallest ice growth can be found is named the Great Ice Embankment. Next to it lays the Hymir Castle where a formation of stalactites called Ice Organ or Frigga’s veil is located. Frigga is a Norse pagan goddess and is the wife of Odin.

Inside the caves, you will also find one of the largest areas called the Alexander von Mörk Cathedral. It is the resting place of the ashes of Alexander von Mörk and indeed, the rightful place where his remains should find its place.

Exploring the ice caves of Eisriesenwelt will be such a delight. Wear warm clothes and trousers in order to battle the coolness of the caves but most of all, enjoy the amazing ice formations which feature the spectacle of nature at its best.

The Spanish Riding School is a traditional school for horse riding in Vienna which also promotes classical dressage up until today. The Spanish Riding School is known to offer classical riding which is usually described as the art of riding with the horse rather than against it.

The school is located in Vienna near the Hofburg. It is exclusive for Lipizzan horses which are used entirely in the school.

The remarkable thing about the Spanish Riding School is that it is able to maintain the noble horsemanship of the post medieval ages.

The methods used by the Spanish Riding School are said to have been adapted from the French Riding Master, François Robichon de La Guérinière, who is one of the influential riders of the world.

The routine taught in the Spanish Riding School follows the concept of classical equitation, a philosophy that is written by Xenophon, a Greek commander.

The Spanish Riding School had offered performances to the guests of the Court. These appearances were opened to public viewing to provide for the school’s upkeep during the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918.

The performances today have been even more comprehensive. It now shows a demonstration of all the phases of training.

Riders of the Spanish Riding School wear the traditional brown tailcoat, bicorne hat, white breeches, white suede gloves, and black boots. This empire style of clothing has long been the uniform of the school and has remained unchanged for 2 centuries.

The Imperial Summer Fête is a celebration within and around the Spanish Riding School that gives life and color to the summer in Vienna. It is a wonderful show that promotes and allows the Spanish Riding School to open its doors to the locals and the tourists and at the same time breathe life into the festivities while reliving old Viennese traditions.

Located on the bank of Danube River, the Melk Abbey is a majestic Baroque fortress that is a world renowned monastic site. It stands magnificently overlooking the river and watching over Melk.

The Melk Abbey is a fortified castle that is home to the Babenbergs and is later a Benedictine monastery under Margrave Leopold II.

During the 12th century, a school was connected to the monastery and has been the center of learning where a number of important manuscripts have been made and organized. It is home to the most brilliant and artistic minds and its members were regarded highly in the areas of natural science and the arts.

It is the place where the birth of the Melk Reform Movement had sprung. The Melk reform is valuable for its connection to the Humanists at the University of Vienna.

The highlight of this area more than its splendid history and its wide contribution to spirituality is the majestic Baroque building that stands in spectacular grace.

It is the location of the New Abbey Museum which gives a narration of Melk Abbey from its humble beginnings to its present splendor. The architect of the exhibit is Hans Hoffer, who is also the designer of the Klangtheater Ganzohr in Vienna.

The architecture of Hoffer allows for a powerful and effective presentation of the Benedictine history in Melk through innovative presentation mostly because of its emphasis on the artistically important objects in the Abbey.

You can also participate in educational museum tours which highlight the story of the Benedictines, more particularly the story of St. Coloman.

The Melk Abbey is not only popular for its history but also for the deep spirituality of the place that is unique to it. Visiting the Abbey will prove to be a hearty experience that will make you appreciate the beautiful Baroque fortress and the spirituality and culture of Austria.

The St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a Gothic-Romanesque cathedral that is located in the heart of Vienna. The first parish church consecrated in 1147, is the mother church in the district of Vienna.

It has been a living witness to Austria’s history and its colorful roof is the most recognizable symbol in Vienna.

It was built in honor of St. Stephen. It was created from limestone but the pollution and other forms of accumulation have affected it which is the reason that its color turned to black. Restorations have been started to bring the church back to its original color.

The most unique feature of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral is none other that its multicolored roof. It is crafted out of glazed tiles with a mosaic of a double headed eagle. The eagle is the symbol of the Habsburg dynasty.

The bells of the cathedral consist of 23 bells in total. It is said that the composer Beethoven realized his deafness when he saw the birds fly out of the bell tower while they were ringing but he didn’t happen to hear them tolling. The largest bell of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral is officially called St. Mary.

A memorial tablet located outside the cathedral gives the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s relationship with it. It was the composer’s parish church where he was married and where two of his children were baptized. Even his funeral was held at a chapel inside the church which marked his long running connection with the St. Stephen’s Cathedral even in his death.

The St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses several chapels inside it.

1. St. Katherine’s Chapel. The baptismal chapel located in the south tower.

2. St. Barbara’s Chapel. The meditation and prayer chapel located in the north tower.

3. St. Eligius’ Tower. The chapel located in the southeast corner which is dedicated to St. Valentine whose remain, one of the three that was held by various churches, is located in the cathedral.

4. St. Bartholomew’s Chapel. The chapel located above the St. Eligius’ Chapel.

5. The Chapel of the Cross. It is the burial place of Prince Eugene of Savoy and also the location of the funeral of Mozart. It is located in the northeastern corner of the cathedral.

6. St. Valentine’s Chapel. The resting place of one of the three remains of St. Valentine. It is the place where a collection of hundreds of relics from the Stephansdom is located.

The St. Stephen’s Cathedral, more than being a major spiritual edifice in the heart of city, is also the most important religious symbol in Vienna.

The Belvedere Palace is a majestic example of Baroque architecture in Austria. It was constructed by Johann Lukas Von Hildebrandt for Prince Eugene of Savoy. Hildebrandt had worked many times for the Prince and the Belvedere Palace was considered his masterwork.

The palace was an important highlight of Austrian Baroque and is among the most important Baroque buildings of the 18th century. It was used primarily as a summer venue by its owner.

The Belvedere Palace is a palace complex that consisted mainly of three parts: the Upper Belvedere, the Lower Belvedere, and the garden.

After the death of Prince Eugene, the Belvedere was owned by his successor Victoria who later sold it to Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in 1752.

The Lower Belvedere is notable for the painted ceiling in the Marmorsaal or the Marble Hall. The masterpiece was painted by Martino Altomonte which depicts Prince Eugene as the new Apollo. The Marble Hall also contains a sculpture by the celebrated Baroque sculptor, Balthasar Permoser.

The Upper Belvedere was intended to create a suitable border to the spectacular gardens of the palace. Similar to the lower palace, it also has a Marmorsaal with a painted ceiling done by Carlo Innocenzo Carlone.

The gardens of the palace was originally characterized by an amazing view of graveled pathways and jeax d’eau or water features similar to the Mannerist style of the Italian gardens that is well known before the flourishing of Baroque. It was designed by Dominique Girard, a French architect. However, the gardens of the Belvedere Palace have been modified against its original form because of the efforts to restore it to its previous glamour.

The Belvedere Palace is the present home of two museums which features the best of Austrian Art. In the Lower Belvedere, you will find the Österreichisches Barockmuseum or the Austrian Museum of Baroque Art. The Upper Belvedere, on the other hand, is the location of the Austrian Gallery which features 19th and 20th century Austrian paintings.

If you wish to experience amazing scenery which captures the beauty of Baroque architecture and art at its finest, a visit to the Belvedere Palace is surely worth the trip.

The Vienna State Opera is a Neo-renaissance opera house located in the heart of Vienna and was constructed under the controversial city expansion fund. A huge opera house in the center of Vienna, it did not gain the popularity that it was supposed to have gotten during its establishment. Its main architects suffered tragic ends, one by suicide and the other by heart attack, without grazing the completion of their work.

It suffered the bombing from the Americans during the Second World War and debate was made as to whether to restore it to its original state or to build a new opera house. In the end, the decision to reinstate the old opera house was made. In 1955, the Staatsoper was reopened with a performance of the Fidelio by Ludwig Van Beethoven.

The Vienna Opera House is the place where major artistic events in the country had been held. If you want to experience the rich artistry in Austria, a visit to the opera house will be a welcome treat. Whether concert or opera, you will enjoy a nice evening of unforgettable performances.

The best part is that the Vienna Opera House is open to children so if you want to introduce your young ones to a different artistic production, you are welcome to do that in the Vienna Opera House.

The Vienna Opera House also has an opera school for boys and girls. It aims to enhance the children’s natural talent for singing and allows them to share their talent to others through a matinee performance that is done twice every season. It also houses a ballet school for the ultimate nourishment of your children’s potential.

The Vienna Opera House had been greatly connected with the Vienna Philharmonic whose members are recruited from the Opera House’s orchestra.

It is the busiest opera house in the world with a comprehensive opera schedule that is said to produce a different production everyday.