Vienna sights
Stephansdom
Stephansdom is the focal point of the city. The cathedral was built on the site of the 12 century church originally of Romanesque style but the church wa rebuilt in Gothic style after 1359.
The interior walls and pillars are decorated with fine statues and side altars. The Baroque high altar in the main chancel shows the stonning of St Stephen.
On the outside of the cathedral, the most striking feature is the tiled roof which shows dazzling chevrons on one end and the Austrian eagle on the other.
You can climb 343 steps to bring you to the viewing platform for an impressive panorama view of vienna. It is open daily from 9am to 5.30pm for AS25.
The Katakomben (catacombs) are open daily with tours every hour from 10am to 4.30pm for AS40. The tour includes sites such as the mass grave of plague victims, a bone house and rows of urns containing the interal organs of the Habsburgs.
Hofburg (Imperial Palace)
The Hofburg (Imperial Palace) is where the Habsburgs were based for over six centuries, from the first emperor (Rudolf I in 1279) to the last (Charles I in 1918).
The Royal Chapel - where the Vienna Boys' Choir sings Sunday Mass. Something not to be missed. The palace now houses the offices of the Austrian president.
Kaiserappartements - The former Imperial Apartments are decorated with fine furniture, haning tapestries and bulbous crystal chaneliers. Open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am till noon and 12.30pm to 4pm and on Sunday and holidays from 8.30am to 12.30pm. Entry costs AS50 for students under 26 or AS70.
Schatzkammer - The Imperial Treasury contains secular treasures of great value. This collection includes the imperial crown, the private crown of Rudolf II and such religious relics like fragments of the True Cross and one of the nails from the Crucifixion. Entry costs AS80 for students and includes a personal electronic guide. It opens daily except Tuesday from 10am to 6pm.
Punksaal - The Magnificent Hall is an archetypal Baroque stucture created between 1723 and 1726. The Hall stores leather-bound, scholarly books lining the walls and stored in 15th century glass cabinets. The all is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday and holidays till 1pm. Admission costs AS60 for students.
Sammlung Alter Musikinstumente - The collection of old musical instruments which houses instruments of all shapes and sizes. Different rooms are dedicated to composers includiung Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. This collection is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 10am to 4m for AS30.
Belvedere
This Baroque palace was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy between 1714 and 1723 and was the work of Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. It comprises of the Unteres (Lower) Belvedere and Oberes (Upper) Belvedere. Running between the two is a long garden laid out in French style, lined with statues of sphinxes and other mythical beasts. Immediately east of this is the Botanical Gardens, which belongs to the university. Admission to the gardens is free.
Schloss Belvedere now houses the �sterreichische Galerie (Austrian Gallery). Openning hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm for a cost of AS 30 for students.
Oberes Belvedere - The 19th century section houses paintings from the Biedermeier period, including many artworks by Georg Waldm�ller, Hans Makart and Anton Romako. The 20th centruy section houses one of Gustv Klimt's best known works The Kiss. Other artists presented here include Herbert Boeckl, Aton Hanak, Munch, Moet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Cezanne.
Unteres Belvedere - This section offers the originals from Donner's Neuer Markt fountain and especially The Apotheosis of Prince of Eugene. Paintings include portraits of Maria Theresa and Franz I.
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