Vienna, City of History

Like they say, Vienna is a city that just reeks with history. Two thousand years ago it was occupied by the Romans under Emperor Augustus. It was later the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. It withstood the sieges of Turkish troops and saved Europe and Western civilization from destruction.

Vienna became a mix of Eastern and Western cultures. When architects began in the 18th century, glorious Vienna knew no rival. Many palaces and churches were built and still stand today, as we would see.

Hitler's Germany annexed Austria in ... (more)

Church
This beautiful Russian church was right across the way from our hotel.

On the bus
Busses are a great way to get around Vienna so we all bought an inexpensive...

Saint Stephen's
The cathedral dominates the Ringstrasse, a boulevard that encircles...

Close-up
A closer look at side of the cathedral.

Cathedral
Standing at the geographic center of Vienna, is Saint Stephen's...

Ninety years ago
A watercolor of St. Stephen's painted in 1912, thirty three years...

Unique building
The famous Hundertwasser Haus with its strange shapes and brightly colored...

Fountain
The architecture at the Hundertwasser Haus is very unique outside ,and...

A better picture
I needed a pro to get a better shot. Maybe he took it on a better day....

Even better
Now you can really see how fantastic this Haus really is.

Imperial Palace
These horse drawn carriages have been in business for four hundred years,...

Facade
Vienna is filled with beautiful buildings and even the tops are worth a look.

The Kiss
The most famous modern artist in the Belvedere Palace is Gustav Klimt...

Schonbrunn Palace
More than three hundred years old, this is one of the most impressive...

The palace fountain
The palace was completely restored after the war. Now some of the 1400...

Palace garden
Waiting to get into the Palace

Natural History Museum
We enjoyed the Art Gallery opposite the museum, but this made a prettier...

Sacher's Hotel
Somebody said that when you come to Vienna you just have to visit this famous...

Many choices
Don't worry, Sharon and Jack. We can all share.

Another one
Another day of touring, and yet another bus.

More up there
The Viennese spared no expense in decorating their public buildings.

Wedding Feast
A favorite Breughel painting in the Fine Arts Museum.

Monument
In the center of Vienna, this huge statue of two Russian soldiers stands in a...

Russian memorial
This huge statue towers above the park, next to the statues of those...

A promise made
The Viennese had to promise not to destroy these statues even though they...

Eye catching
Billboards are fascinating in many foreign countries. Some of them...

Another billboard
"If you're going to stay home." This is an ad for the...

Vienna Woods
What's a visit to Vienna without going out to see the famous...

Oldsters
Four senior citizens who were NOT part of our tour troup. Actually the...

article published 06/21/2002

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Sorry about that
Thanks for your interesting comments, Alex. Sorry I offended you - It was certainly not my intention. I do appreciate any corrections you might give, especially since you apparently are Russian yourself. Your nation lost more people than any other in World War II and your armed forces deserve the greatest credit for our eventually winning it. Just the same, I have doubts about some of your historical statements.

I'm also sorry you didn't leave your address so we might discuss all of this further. I fear you will never read these words, but just in case ...
— Bob Fairbanks, October 4, 2003

I want to say few words about Russian Memorial and Promise made. First of all Russians didnt occupy Vienna for so many years. They were over there for ten years only. Compare to Americans who remains in Germany up to now (even when Russians left that country) I guess its nothing. Second of all: Russians didnt come to Austria or Germany on June 1941 and Russia didnt start WW2. Do you know the most of personnel in concentration camps were Austrians? Not even Germans. And Hitler was from Austria. So after war where Russia lost 40million people Russians had full rights not just put those memorials but also leave their tanks and soldiers for next 200 years. And if you did pay attention you would see always fresh flowers on those memorials. So please change your bullshit on http://www.worldisround.com/articles/11206/photo19.html and http://www.worldisround.com/articles/11206/photo21.html. Otherwise a lot of people would think you support Nazi. If you have a different opinion let me know
— Alex Mudrak, August 17, 2003

One Eye laughing, the other weeping by Barry Denenberg is a great book to read about the Holocaust in world war II. It tells a lot about the Natzis treating the Jews very badly
— Kaitlin, February 10, 2003

Comment on PALACE GARDEN
Hi Bob,I really do enjoy in viewing your around the world articles - from safari to Europe,Mexico to Bali,and I can feel your vivacious character through your photos.I guess,while you are waiting to get into the Palace,somebody says something about your posing location and made you titter.

Anyway,how about business of your son in Bali ?

Thanks for sharing and best regards from Macau Lam
— Lam Ngai, June 22, 2002

You never cease to amaze me with your excellent . professional photos. Have been to Vienna several times, really enjoyed reviewing the sights. Also liked seeing Sharon and "the other Jack"
— Miriam, June 22, 2002

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