Vienna Austria May 4, 2023

  Our first glimpse of Vienna from our cabin window was the St. Francis of Assisi Church, consecrated in 1913. It is also known as the Emperor's Jubilee Church (for the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria's reign) and the Mexico Church. 

Our fabulous tour guide was passionate and knowledgable about Vienna. To become a licensed guide in Austria, one has to take courses for 2 years and then pass a state examination that consists of a written exam, an oral exam, and a practical test where the candidate has to show his or her proficiency during a simulated guided tour. The knowledge required for these exams is so comprehensive that the greater part of candidates fail.

Our tour was almost redirected as there were climate activists gluing themselves to roads to disrupt traffic. Fortunately the "gluers" were gone by the time our bus arrived in the city center. 

Here are some sights from our bus and walking tour. 

The Giant Ferris Wheel or Wiener Riensenrad in the Prater Amusement park was erected in 1897. It is the oldest running ferris wheel in the world designed from the blueprints of George Ferris. 

The Wiener Staatsoper or Vienna State Opera House is one of the leading opera houses in the world.

This monument honors Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780). Centered in the Maria-Theresien Platz, the monument is flanked by two of Vienna's most prominent tourist attractions: the Natural History Museum and the Art History Museum.

The Hofburg-Imperial Palace is one of the biggest palace complexes in the world. Built in the 13th century, it was expanded several times and is now a series of 18 opulent interconnected buildings. Among these are the Spanish Riding School, the Imperial Apartments, and the official residence and workplace of the president of Austria.

St. Stephen's Cathedral in the heart of the inner city is the tallest church in Austria.

Colorful roof tiles glimmer in the sun.

A trip to Vienna would not be complete without a visit to the Hotel Sacher for a slice of Vienna history - the Original Sacher Torte.