recap Vienna
15.07.2011
93 °F
July 13, Wednesday--
I'm writing this from home on Friday, July 15. More about our actual trip later--it was a long one! But first, about our last day in Vienna…we made the most of it.
After a very warm night as there was no AC in our hotel, we got up to the usual breakfast of cheeses, meats, breads, coffee and juice we headed to Stephansplatz and the Stephansdom which is the magnificent church at the center of the plaza. The highlight of this cathedral is its amazing tile roof. We rode up a circle elevator to view both the roof and the city of Vienna.
roof of Stephensdome
Stephensdome
view from Stephensdome
The original church was built in the 1100's with the current building constructed in the 1400's. The inside of the church is also beautiful with intricate carvings, silver fixtures and all of the ornate deco so typical of European Catholic churchs. From there we took a walk down the Herrengasse and other streets of City Center to St Michael's Facade where there are some exposed ruins dating back to the 2nd century. While we were looking at the ruins a motorcade with lots of police escorts and sirens came through the plaza. We quickly followed them through the entryway of St. Michaels to a large inner plaza where we caught some glimpses of the Austrian president and his wife receiving the President of Poland. It was quite 'royal' with a red carpet and military band. The crowd seemed excited!
The Austrian National library and museums were also in the vicinity but time limited us to just admiring the buildings from the outside. We had a bite to eat at a cafe outside the arboretum and then rode the trolley that circles City Center with stop to see Hunterwasserhaus. Designed after the idea and concept of artist Friedesnreich Hunterwasser with architect Joseph Krawina as a co-author the artist believed in architecture in harmony with nature and man. This landmark expressionist apartment building and associated 'village' is a huge tourist attraction and was a highlight of my visit to Vienna. I love modern and public art that is also functional! 
fountain at Hunterwasser Haus
Hunterwasser Haus
With just a few hours left in the day we all went our seperate ways for a little shopping. I like to bring home something that is a product of the country or area I am visiting but this is often not easy. In Austria I found mostly candy, cookies and…Schnappes! I bought a little of the former but decided that liquid and glass are not the easiest to transport home. We had one last meal at a "HoofBrau" (not sure why the two o's) and back to the hotel to repack for an early underground and train ride to the airport. Austria was beautiful, quaint, historical, warm and interesting but I was ready to go home.
Posted by MaureenChandler 17:50 Archived in Austria
