Vienna 2

The Belvedere Palace was our first stop. This was built in the 17th century by Prince Eugene of Savoy as a summer residence. It consists of two palaces, and orangery and a stables in a park by Hildebrand.

It is clearly a popular place for a day out at the weekend.






It later became a royal palace until Austria lost the area to Bavaria and then a museum.

A settlement for Austria after the Second World War was signed here.



A chandelier and a detail from the ceiling


The Imperial Crypt where many kings and queens are buried was founded in 1618. The crypt is under the Capruchin monestry in Vienna, not far from the Cayhedral. It was built by the empress Anna for herself and her husband Emperor Ferdinand II.

In the centre of Vienna is the Cathedral of St Steven. The current cathedral dates form the 14th century and has origins in the 12th century. Restoration of the exterior is taking place and will lclearly take some time. Parts of the roof have been finished, showing the original colours.


The interior is less interesting than many for the other sites that we have visited.


We had some free time for the rest of the afternoon and, after the interior of the cathedral, went to find a park.

The first park that we came to had been selling wine and food, but the stalls were closing as we arrived. We continued through the park and paid our respects to Schubert and Strauss.


Then wandered past a very decorated church


Passed the Opera


And the the Hotel Sacher with no time to pop in to sample the Sacher torte, sadly.


Finally, we returned to the Cathedral where we met the rest of the group to continue back to our hotel.

- Pat and John on tour