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Vienna : Overview & Top 10

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Vienna

Splendid edifices, magnificent palaces and imposing churches spanning the centuries all make Vienna a wonderful city to visit, oozing both charm and atmosphere. Although its imperial grandeur can still be felt, this city of music has more to offer than just its glorious past; contemporary architecture, a brimming cultural scene and a vibrant nightlife add to its appeal. No matter how many times you return, you will always discover something new.

  • Known as a tolerant ruler, Joseph II (1765–90) carried out further reforms started under his mother Maria Theresa.

  • The Josephinum houses a unique collection of anatomical wax models that were commissioned by Emperor Joseph II for the training of apprentice surgeons. The medical models were manufactured by Felice Fontana in Florence between 1784–8 and transported on donkeys over mountain passes to Austria. Many medical themes are covered here, but the wax models are the largest collection of its kind in the world (see p98).

  • Founded by Emperor Joseph II in 1785 as a medical academy, the Josephinum initially trained military doctors, and later general practictioners. Today the buildings host the Institute for the History of Medicine and an anatomical museum (see p47).

  • The world’s first Jewish museum was founded in Vienna in 1895 but the exhibits were confiscated by the National Socialists in 1938. Today’s museum was established in 1990 and shows unique collections of ritual objects, such as Chanukah lamps and Torah crowns. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and has a library and archives.

  • Another private collection, this one centres around coffee, the favourite drink of the Viennese. In the little showroom various coffee machines from the past 200 years are on display, together with grinders, samovars and coffeepots. You can also learn about the different ways to roast the beans.

  • The 484-m (1,580-ft) high Kahlenberg mountain is on the fringe of the Vienna Woods and covered with trees and vineyards. The Höhenstrasse, a scenic route lined with trees that occasionally offers a glimpse of the city, winds its way up the Kahlenberg from Grinzing, and on top of the hill you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. During the Turkish siege of 1683, the Polish troops under King Jan III Sobieski descended from the top of this hill and defeated the Turkish army on 12 September that year. The little Baroque church on top of Kahlenberg commemorates this historic event.

  • Kahlenberg

    Kahlenberg and neighbouring Leopoldsberg, with wonderful views of the city, are popular for Sunday excursions. From Kahlenberg’s 425-m (1,395-ft) mountain peak you can even spot the Carpathian Mountains on a clear day (see p124).

  • Not to everybody’s taste, this is a large black coffee mixed with egg yolk, honey and Cognac.

  • Overlooking Schloss Schönbrunn, this hotel was built as the palace’s guesthouse in 1903.

  • Thick pancakes are shredded and sprinkled with raisins and sugar. Often served with a purée of plums.

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