Vienna’s architectural masterpieces

Called the ‘city of music’ due to its musical history and famous classical musicians such as Beethoven, Mahler and Mozart. To name just a few! Vienna’s architectural masterpieces and palaces are superb and such a treat to experience.

I honestly think I spent the whole time walking around open-mouthed! Totally mesmerised and gobsmacked by the building’s architecture and artwork. I also did a lot of walking. Around 25,000 steps each day. So, Vienna is a good place to come if you want to get your steps in as you’re taking in the beauty of its architecture!

I’d been intrigued to visit Vienna for a while. I was interested in the architectural style, history and overall beauty of the city that I’d read and researched about.

I decided to go on a weekend in early October, when it wasn’t likely to be so crowded. So the end of the Summer season, but also when the weather would still be pretty decent to be out exploring the city all day! I stayed in a hotel in the city centre. It was really close to the tram line, and they did a buffet breakfast. So it was pretty convenient. 

A famous pastry and chocolaterie serving specialities such as; cream cakes, scones, and strudels.

Right in the centre of Vienna, so it’s easy to find. And interesting to see the chocolatiers and pastry chefs at work through the glass doors as you walk through to the restaurant. The décor throughout was incredible, and unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a café or restaurant.

They had a very large selection of cakes and sweets. It was extremely difficult to make a choice! In the end, I opted for a fruit meringue pastry. Which was a good option as it was delicious and went really well with my coffee.

This eccentrically creative piece of architecture was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

The apartment block is a mosaic of shapes, colours and pilers. The unique design highlights Hundertwasser’s artistic taste.

It was great fun to walk around this quirky building! Certainly interesting and very different.

A rather wet walk around Schonburrn Palace, but so worth it. Such a beautiful building and tranquil gardens to have a stroll around.

The palace and its gardens are listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site. Once used as a holiday home for the Habsburg emperors. The hunting estate has now become a venue for important historical gatherings and cultural events.

It was super crowded with tourists all waiting to see the clock chime at midday. And it soon became obvious why.

For more than a hundred years the Anker clock has chimed at noon and the 12 figures of the clock do a full rotation. Designed by Franz von Matsch in 1911. It truly is a magnificent design and a masterpiece creation of engineering. It certainly is worth standing amongst the crowds to experience this wonderful and incredible piece of architecture and craftsmanship.  

Right in the centre of the city stands this spectacular gothic cathedral. It is considered the symbol of Vienna, and at 136 metres high it is certainly the tallest.

An impressive 230,000 tiles were used to create the amazingly eye-catching roof. And, because it’s so steep, it never gets covered in snow in the Winter. So it can be admired all year round. It truly is an impressive piece of artistic design.

I was awestruck by it’s intricate detail and design of the building.

Located right in the centre of Vienna and built in the 13th Century. Famous for being one of the most historically important architectural monuments in Europe.  

When walking down the street approaching the Hofburg you get a glimpse of the dome at the top of the building. As you get to the bottom of the street it opens up to this hugely impressive white building with beautifully designed structures right in its centre.

You can see why it is the perfect backdrop to many people’s Instagram photos!

A fun way to spend an afternoon or evening in Vienna is at one of their wineries. This particular winery was close to the tram and the last stop. So easy to get to and get back without fear of getting lost back to the city centre!

For a white wine lover, like myself, this was a perfect afternoon treat. Also, it was interesting to have an insight into the individual wines. And of course sample some of the different wines! The young lady giving the descriptions and explanations was knowledgeable and friendly, which added to the overall experience.

A fabulously charming couple of days of spectacular architecture, history, city strolling and delicious foods and drinks.