Our World - Hofburg Palace in Vienna

Like many beautiful palaces across Europe, Austria also has its fair shares of palaces and I had the pleasure of visiting Belvedere Palace, Schonbrunn Palace and not to mention, the Hofburg Palace in the heart of Vienna.


The Hofburg Imperial Palace, which is currently the official residence for the Austrian Federal President, was once the palace for the Holy Roman Empire's ruler. I also discovered that the famous Hapsburg dynasty used the palace as their winter residence.

Museums within the Palace which have been preserved over the centuries consists of 18 wings, 19 courtyards, more than 2500 rooms and also several museums and collections, Imperial Library, riding school, horse stables and etc.


This particular section of the palace, is known as St Michael's wing. Due to limited time, we didn't manage to visit the interior of the building but it was rewarding taking a stroll around the surrounding area observing the architectural splendour and detailed sculptures up close. Based on the exterior decorations, I've to say that Belvedere remains my favourite palace in Vienna.



Here are some details of the Hofburg domes. The eagles sitting on top of the golden globe are a symbol of the Hapsburg dynasty which ruled over Austria.



The legend of Hercules is apparently a favourite of many, including the Hapsburg family. The southern entrance of Hofburg Palace is decorated with a series of totally awesome sculptures known as "The Labors of Hercules" by Lorenzo Matielli.



Here he's battling the mighty Cerberus, guardian of the Underworld!



As we walked around the palace, we came across a large monument dedicated to Emperor Francis I of Austria a.k.a. Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor. The imposing monument, surrounded by four other statues was created in the 18th century, by the Italian sculptor Pompeo Marchesi.



At a different corner, we came upon the convention center. It's interesting to see flags from all different countries, decorating the side of the Hofburg. Every year Hofburg is hosting about 300 to 350 events and among the events include conventions and meetings as well as banquets, trade fairs, concerts and balls.



This is Neue Burg section as seen from Heldenplatz where Hitler gave his speech after Germany invaded Austria.



Aside from the amazing history and beauty of the medieval architecture, there are also benches to sit and relax throughout the garden. A great spot for some peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Our World

Wordless Wednesday - French Embassy in Vienna

Wordless Wednesday

Our World - St Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

When in Vienna, it will be hard to miss the St. Stephen's Cathedral which seems to dominate the skyline in all directions and can be seen peeking over the old town square from miles away. Also known as Stephansdom in German, it is one of the best illustration of late Austrian Gothic. It stands on the ruins of two earlier churches and and further enlarged over the course of several centuries from a typical Romanesque rectangular shape to a cathedral with a three-nave choir, sporting Gothic elements on the facade under the reign of Rudolf IV.



I also discovered that the cathedral has survived two Turkish sieges, religious wars, French bombs in the course of the Napoleonic wars and World War I without too serious damage. It was further hit by bombs at the later stages of World War two and repaired with the financial aid of all the provinces of Austria.



The cathedral is enormous, ornately designed and you definitely need a wide-angle lens to capture the entirety of the landscape. Although I was unable to fit everything into the shot, I like the way this photo turned out.




We spent some time wandering around the area, paying attention to the details of this exquisite place and it was always a thrill to see some horse drawn carriages on the streets. They are a common sight especially for tourists in the heart of Vienna due to its narrow, old time streets.



Here is a closer view of the north steeple of the cathedral. It houses the big Pummerin bell and a lookout terrace. We didn't manage to go up due to lack of time but I bet it offers magnificent views of the surrounding historic streets.



Standing guard near the entrance is the impressive monument of St John of Capistrano.



Aside from the beauty of the medieval architecture, this one in particular caught my attention. I was very amused by the scene above. It depicts a figure of Christ affectionately known to the Viennese as "Christ with a toothache" because of its agonized expression.



As we entered the building, I see numerous altars, gothic sculptures, icons and chapels peering out of the many corners within the imposing cathedral.



Here is one of the 18 impressive altars. I wish I remembered more in detail about this, but there was way too much to be taking in all at once just being there.



This is Pilgrams pulpit, peering out a half-open window.



If you look closely, you'll notice the handrail of the stairway beautifully decorated by interesting symbols: lizards and toads in front of each other, symbolizing the fight of light against darkness.




Equally majestic is the ornate carvings on pillars which I think adds greatly to the exceptional decor.

If you like ancient architecture, the grandeur of the edifice is really going to amaze you, not to mention that you will be taken aback by the impressive artworks which adorn the cathedral.

Wordless Wednesday - Shop windows in Vienna

Wordless Wednesday

PhotoHunt - Zany Workplace

Here is a great collection of zany artwork as seen at Hundertwasser Art gallery in Vienna. The innovative creations by Friedensreich Hundertwasser are definitely well-designed and inspiring. It would be fun and cool to be working in such a zany workplace.



Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Our World - Sigmund Freud Park, Vienna

Vienna is full of this type of unique art work but the only thing is that it takes time for one to understand them. We found this sculpture at Sigmund Freud Park and it certainly attracts the attention of many passers-by. I still can't figure out what it is but it is a popular subject for photos.



We were greeted by yet another cool sculpture as we moved along. I do not have any information about them other than they are rather eye-catching.



Aside from the sculptures, there is a fascinating piece of marble table called ‘Partner of all nations’, a memorial with ten marble chairs. From what I read, each chair represents a country (Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Malta, Hungary, Czech, Slovenia, and Slovakia). Quite a few people were posing in front of it and I was quite sad to leave this beautiful park where we met some wonderful friends.

Our World

Wordless Wednesday - Advertising Column

Vienna, Austria.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday - Silence of the woods

Wordless Wednesday

Skywatch - Scenic countryside

Following up with my previous post, here are some photos captured during our train trip from Innsbruck to Salzburg. Throughout the ride, I couldn't take my eyes off the breathtaking views. The weather was very co-operative on that day which makes skywatching much more enjoyable.



Skywatch Friday

PhotoHunt - Old

For this week's photohunt theme, I'm taking you to Austria. This is one of the many old Baroque fountains that we came across in the old city centre of Vienna.


The Donner fountain dates back to the year 1739 and the lady in the middle is Providentia. Around her are four cherubs representing Austrian rivers.

The figures on the edge of the fountain's basin symbolize


Traun, a young man with a trident, catching a fish at the base of the fountain;



Enns, an old ferryman, resting against a rock;



Ybbs, a resting girl with a water container;



and March, a female figure leaning to a relief depicting a battle between the Romans and Markomannen.

I also found out that these old weathered statues on the fountain were bronze replicas. The figures were made of lead, deteriorated and had to be replaced in 1873. The originals can now be found in the Lower Belvedere’s Marble Hall.

Gattina's PhotoHunting

PhotoHunt - Point

Here is a statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom standing in front of the Austrian parliament in Vienna. In her left hand she carries a sharp point of spear and in her right, the goddess Nike.




Sandi's PhotoHunt

PhotoHunt - Circular & Joy

A circular fountain of Baroqoe design at Residentsplatz in Salzburg. Being a huge fan of 'The Sound of Music', I find great joy to be able to visit one of the movie locations where Julie Andrews sang "I Have Confidence" as she made her way to the Von Trapp residence for the first time.



Flower beds always bring me joy with their diverse colours, textures, and fragrance.



A sign of a famous Italian espresso coffee store spotted in Vienna. A good joy for coffee lovers.

Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting