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Exploring Europe 2023
  • Debi Shaw

Exploring Europe 2023

Our hearts belong to Italy, but with so many other amazing countries to explore, it is time to spread our wings and fly outside our comfort zone. Europe - here we come. Read more
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  • Trip start
    March 25, 2023
    Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    We are on our way...

    March 25, 2023 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    We are off.... on our extended European exploration. Italy has our hearts but there is so much more we haven't seen and want to see. Let's see if Italy is still our spiritual home after experiencing other European countries. Vienna we are on our way.Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Vienna

    March 26, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    After a long night and day of flying we have finally arrived in Vienna, ready to start our European adventure. Sadly my first impression is not the best, as at first glance, Vienna is a city of construction and graffiti. It appears some major building, restoration and construction is taking place along the main street of Vienna and many of the smaller roads. In fact we walk out of our apartment into construction. Hopefully once we get a chance to explore further we will get to see and enjoy the historic buildings and sites without this distraction.

    Thankfully we checked into our apartment quickly, freshened up and ventured out to get our bearings. Seeing past the construction and graffiti (we just look up) the buildings are stunning and even the overcast skies didn’t deter from their beauty. Once again we are amazed by the age of these European towns.

    We had a brief stroll around to get a general feel for the place. Being a Sunday afternoon not a lot was open and after a bit of a walk we decided to get our first ice cream for this trip. It wasn’t our usual gelato but instead ice cream, and they certainly had some unique flavours, which of course we tried.

    Even though it was still early we decided to call it a day and get some well needed sleep so we are fresh and ready to hit the streets of Vienna with a vengeance tomorrow.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Mariahilfer Kirche, Vienna

    March 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    We were up bright and early and ready explore. We had only just left our apartment and the first striking building we see is a church, and of course we go in. Mariahilfer Kirche is a simple but elegant Baroque church built between 1685 to 1689. The stunning altar, beautiful stain glass windows, intricate frescoes and amazing organ reminded us that we are back in Europe. They ”do religion” well here.Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Volksgarten, Vienna

    March 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    Even though the skies were overcast and rain was forecast, we knew we had to venture out to see as much of Vienna as possible. What we didn’t take into consideration or expect, was how bitterly cold it got once the rain started.

    We did manage to find our way to the Volksgarten, passing some impressive buildings along the way. Due to construction and some kind of event set up we were unable to get close to the City Hall, which was on our list to check out.

    We did have a brief stop at the Austrian Parliament building and managed to admire and take some photos of the Pallas Athene Fountain while juggling umbrellas being blown inside out by the wind. We can only imagine how impressive this looks in the sunshine.

    We persisted in the bad weather and even had a quick stroll through the Volksgarten, known as the People’s Garden. As part of the Hofburg Palace, the gardens were built over the city fortifications that were destroyed by Napoleon in 1809. Even with the poor weather, we could see how beautiful these gardens will be once all the flowers bloom in Spring.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Café Central, Vienna

    March 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    Established in 1876, Café Central was our stop for a warm cup of coffee and a break from the bitterly cold rain. Having it recommended as a place to try we even stood in line waiting to get in. Being the coffeehouse to revolutionaries, psychoanalysts (Freud) and numerous famous writers and poets throughout the years, it was worth the wait.

    Located inside a palatial mansion it’s decorative arched ceiling, ornate pastry counter, fabulous wait staff and delicious coffee and Viennese cakes made this the perfect place to relax and warm up. I had my first Viennese apple strudel and Brad tried a decadent chocolate cake, both of which were delicious.

    Our break here also coincided with a bit of an incident with a suitcase being abandoned at the entrance. Police were called and the people cleared from outside which did concern us. They left us inside and cleared the streets around the cafe. Obviously we were not that important to save, should it have been more than an abandoned suitcase. It was a bit of a nervous wait until the all clear was given. Just a bit of excitement while we enjoyed our coffee.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Easter Markets, Vienna

    March 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    After our warm respite from the weather we headed out again to visit the nearby Easter Markets. Having experienced the Christmas markets in Europe we were hoping it would be a similar experience except the dismal weather was keeping everyone away.

    We did manage to tolerate the freezing weather long enough to have a quick look around, buy a pastries to enjoy later and some delicious cheese. It is the most expensive cheese we have ever purchased but thankfully the mixture of basil, pear and pine nuts made it worth it.

    One of the markets featured decorative eggs, eggs, eggs and more eggs with the centre stall displaying hundreds of them. If it wasn’t for the rain I would have spent more time checking them all out. The second Easter market featured more handcrafted items. With both the markets set amongst the historic buildings surrounding them, there was a lot to look at and admire, it is just a pity the rain made it difficult to enjoy. After a brisk walk through we finally gave in to the weather and caught a taxi back to our room to wait out the rain.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Hofburg Palace, Vienna

    March 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌬 8 °C

    Thankfully the rain stopped and the clouds cleared so we raced out to try and see as much as possible while the weather was good. First stop was the Hofburg Palace. Located in the centre of Vienna it was built in the 13th century with several expansions added over time.

    It is the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and since 1946 is the official residence and workplace of the president of Austria.

    While we didn’t tour the inside of this spectacular building we admired the vastness, the stunning architecture, the intricate statues and how impressive it all is.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna

    March 27, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Final stop for today before the weather turned again was the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral. It is quite odd coming across it in the “shopping precinct”, nestled between another historic building and an ultra modern one.

    Founded in 1137 the partially constructed Romanesque church was dedicated in 1147 to Saint Stephen. Although the first structure was completed in 1160, major reconstruction and expansion lasted until 1511, and repair and restoration projects continue to the present day.

    St. Stephen's Cathedral has borne witness to many important events in Habsburg and Austrian history and has, with its multi-coloured tile roof, become one of the city's most recognizable symbols. The exterior of this church is adorned with stone statues, gargoyles and intricate stone work on the great tower but it’s most outstanding feature is the beautiful mosaic roof. Due to the weather it was not possible to climb the tower to see this stunning roof in more detail.

    Inside the church is not as adorned as many we have seen before but the simplicity of the many vaulted ceiling make it quite striking. There is a feeling of richness even though it isn’t filled with statues of gold. Even the stained glass windows were simple in their design. I can imagine when it isn’t filled with tourist, but instead filled with a congregation in worship it would have quite a serene feel.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Naschmarkt, Vienna

    March 28, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌬 4 °C

    We woke today to another freezing day and actually had snow. Apparently quite unusual weather, with the previous week's temps being in the 20’s. Today with the wind chill it was again sub-zero.

    We rugged up and ventured out to explore the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous and apparently most luxurious food and produce market. Operating since the 16th century it now offers a vast array of fresh foods, baked goods and plenty of restaurants and cafes. With the weather being overcast and us Australians being out and about too early, most of the stalls were not yet open and it really didn’t seem super luxurious like advertised. Once the heavens opened and snow began to fall we decided we needed to find somewhere for a warm breakfast. I will admit we did get a thrill being out in the snow fall, it was pretty magical, cold but magical.

    With not many places being open in the market we ventured across the road to the Cafe Savoy. The cafe dates back to 1896 and had a beautiful, historic feel to it. It also has two mirrors said to be the largest in Europe. It was the perfect place to warm up and enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading back to our apartment to wait out the bad weather.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Saint Anne’s Church, Vienna

    March 28, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    This evening we attended a concert by a stringed quartet at St Anne’s church. St. Anne's chapel existed since 1320 and in 1518 the Gothic church was consecrated on the occasion of Saint Anne’s Day. A relic of Saint Anne, her right hand, is exhibited in the church.

    The concert itself was an experience to remember as musicians from renowned Viennese orchestras played complete works from Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert on period instruments thus recreating the atmosphere of the golden age of the Viennese Classic Era. The way the music echoed through the church’s elaborate interior was pretty special. The only down side was the thin hard church pews that even the provided cushions couldn’t cover. We will blame the seating as to why we are not church goers.

    After the concert we tried to get dinner, but of the few places we tried, their kitchens had already closed. It was too cold to walk around town to find a place to eat, so we returned to our apartment for an apple, pretzels and a coffee. One thing we have discovered is that Vienna does not appear to have a vibrant night life or food culture. Maybe it is a seasonal thing and we are here when the weather is still too cool.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna

    March 29, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Today we decided to visit the most popular tourist site in Vienna, the Schonbrunn Palace. Having seen all the beautiful images of the palace and its stunning gardens, I couldn’t wait. And add in their well known Easter Markets, it was a day I was looking forward to.

    What I realised today was that I have got my timings wrong on when is the right season to visit Vienna. Thinking Spring would be when their gardens would be at their most glorious, it has been a big disappointment realising how wrong I was. The gardens at the palace were in a state of maintenance and what had been cut back for Winter had not yet started sprouting. I was very underwhelmed but can imagine how impressive they could be at the right time of the year.

    Schönbrunn Palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, and the name Schönbrunn means “beautiful spring". The history of the 1441 room Palace and it vast gardens spans over 300 years, reflecting the changing tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. It has been a major tourist attraction since the mid-1950s. Considering it’s importance in history we were surprised by the exterior, expecting a more ornate building, and a more maintained building. We can only imagine the costs to keep the property to high standards and with the interior being the main tourist attraction it is only right that most of the maintenance be invested there.

    After a stroll around the palace grounds we ventured into the Easter Markets set in front of the palace. These were a collection of food and drink stalls (the warm mulled apple cider and the Viennese version of macaroni and cheese was delicious), handcrafted wares and lots of Easter themed products. I loved the intricately decorated eggs but there was no way they would survive the journey home.

    Once we had finished exploring the grounds and market, and with Brad not feeling the best, we called it a day so Brad could get some well needed rest.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Cafe Ritter, Vienna

    March 29, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    One main food goal while in Vienna was for Brad to try a Wiener Schnitzel, one of the best known specialities of Viennese cuisine, and one of the national dishes of Austria. So tonight we had dinner at Cafe Ritter, one of the last large Viennese coffee houses. It dates from 1867 and is still very traditionally furnished.

    We both ordered the traditional Weiner Schnitzel, which is veal covered in breadcrumbs and served with parsley potatoes. The meal was so well cooked and the servings were huge. So big in fact that Brad didn’t even order dessert. Brad enjoyed the “schnitty” and has ticked it off the “must try” list, but won’t rush out to order another one.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Streets of Vienna

    March 30, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    Well I have to say Vienna has been interesting but hasn’t wowed us like we expected. There are some stunningly beautiful historic buildings that have been maintained with great care, and then there are the stunningly beautiful historic buildings that have been defaced with graffiti, and there are a lot more of those. As long as we looked up we could avoid the ugliness. While we are glad to have ticked this off our list, sadly it isn’t a place we would return to or recommend.Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Melk, Austria

    March 30, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Today we left Vienna (quite happily I will add) and caught the train to Melk, an Austrian town on the River Danube, west of Vienna. It’s known for the 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery built high above the town.

    We weren’t sure what to expect but as we pulled up to the station smiles lit up our faces. This small town is exactly what we needed after vast Vienna. While the weather was still overcast it couldn’t detract from the charm of this town. It is gorgeous. With the Abbey looming over the town and visible from everywhere, we couldn’t wait to go up for a visit. We strolled around this pretty town before climbing the steps up to the Abbey (which we ended up visiting every day we were here). While the weather held off we had a quick stroll around part of the vast gardens, admired parts of the Abbey we had access to (more Abbey details to follow) and took the lift up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the town and the Abbey itself.

    We then headed back down for a couple of drinks and a traditional and delicious Austrian meal at Zur Post Hotel before calling it a day. I had the most delicious chicken schnitzel I have ever tasted. Even though the weather hasn’t been on our side, we are making the most of our down times and hitting the streets hard when we get the chance. One thing for sure is that it is certainly warmer here than Vienna.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Morning Walk in Melk, Austria

    March 31, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    This morning we decided to go for a walk along the Danube River (the second longest river in Europe) below the town. From here we could get the full effect of the majesty of the Melk Abbey sitting high above us. It was interesting seeing the town’s flood marker, showing how high the river’s waters have risen in the past.

    We then enjoyed a late breakfast/morning tea at Mistlbacher Bakery, that has been operating since 1875. My breakfast included a coffee, an orange juice and a Prosecco, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

    We followed this with a look through the Mariä-Himmelfahrt-Kirche church which dates back to 1481. There are some beautiful stained glass windows for a church that is so unassuming from the outside.

    Later in the day we finally experienced blue skies so we headed back out and up to the the Abbey for a few more photos. The stairs are hard work but the photos have been worth the effort. Knowing that the weather tomorrow has been forecast with sunnier periods than today, we put off doing our tour inside the Abbey until tomorrow.

    We returned to the town square for a few afternoon drinks before the weather changed again. Thankfully we made it back to our apartment before the storm struck. Being so close to everything means we can shelter in our apartment and wait out the bad weather in warmth and comfort.

    Dinner tonight included some much needed vegetables which Brad had with trout, and believe it or not I ordered a pizza. Not as good as the Italian pizzas but this did seem to be the pizza joint in town so I had to try it. We had another walk through town to burn some calories before calling it a night.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Melk Abbey, Austria

    April 1, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Today the weather could not make up its mind with overcast skies one minute and brilliant blue skies the next. We timed it right and made our way up to the Abbey to finally take a tour inside. The Abbey looms over the town, making sure everyone is aware of its existance. Since the 12th century, Melk Abbey has been home to a monastic school whose alumni include notable Austrian composers, muscians, writers and painters. Today it remains the oldest continuously operating school in Austria.

    Founded in 1089, the Abbey was a castle of Leopold II, Margrave of Austria. Today's Abbey was built between 1702 and 1736. It contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria's first ruling dynasty.

    The interior of the Abbey is as interesting and as eye catching as the outside. The frescoes on the ceiling, the elaborate mouldings and statues, the grandness is so impressive. The library is breath-taking and with over 100000 books, several thousand that are over 500 years old and the room has a sense of importance and grandeur.

    The Abbey itself is absolutely amazing, so much gold. With several sarcophaguses, the skeleton of St Colomon and so many beautiful objects on display, the whole place is breathtaking.

    Sadly photos are not allowed and Brad only managed to take a few before we realised, which is a pity as words cannot adequately described how special and stunning this place is.

    The views over the town and the Danube River from the walkways high on the Abbey are amazing. The Abbey was definitely worth the visit and thankfully we timed it just right as the blue skies vanished as we ended our tour.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Zur Post Hotel, Melk

    April 1, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    After our tour of the Abbey we had worked up a thirst and an appetite, and with the weather turning again, we chose to return to the Zur Post Hotel to settle into a warm booth for some afternoon drinks, followed by dinner. We decided to order some pretzels with our drinks and they were surprisingly delicious and moorish.

    Dinner for me was a traditional Austrian minestrone, which was perfect for the cold weather, and Brad had the Bern sausages. We are certainly trying the local foods as we go. It was a lovely end to our time in Melk. It is such a beautiful, colourful town and one we would highly recommend.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler
    Our apartmentEaster egg trees are a "thing" in Europe

    First Glimpse of Salzburg

    April 2, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    We bid farewell to Melk and a short train ride later we arrived in Salzburg, a very overcast and wet Salzburg. While waiting to check into our accommodation for the next few nights we stopped for a coffee and cake at a typical Austrian cafe. We loved the authentic vibe and both ordered the cheese curd strudel. It was amazing!! And served with warm custard it helped warm us up for a bit.

    Once we were able to check in, we dropped off our bags and braved the weather, wanting to see as much as possible. First stop we stumbled across was the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Brad has never watched Sound of Music and I only saw it once as a child so we had no clue this was one of the scenes from the movie, but even in the gloomy weather we were impressed by the expansive gardens filled with curved flower beds, numerous statues (some comical), urns and fountains. It is nice to finally see some flowers in bloom and a bit of colour amongst the gloomy weather.

    The Palace was built as a pleasure palace for Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau and his mistress in 1606 and was allegedly built within six months. The gardens were added in 1686 and has been added to throughout the centuries.

    We came across a heap of tourists doing weird poses near the gates and thought they were all crazy. Some of our Sound of Music fan friends filled us in and they were recreating a scene from the movie.

    Salzburg certainly looks like it has a lot to offer and hopefully we will have some good weather on our side going forward. With snow starting to fall, we found a spar for a bit of grocery shopping, “warmed” up with a gelato that did rival our favourite Italian gelatos, and returned to our home to dry off and warm up. We are definitely not prepared for this extra cold weather.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler
    Homage to Mozart
    More abstract modern artSt. Mark's ChurchSt. Mark's ChurchSt. Mark's ChurchSt. Blasius ChurchSt. Blasius ChurchSt. Blasius ChurchSt. Blasius ChurchHorses' WellHorses' WellHorses' WellHorses' WellHorses' Well

    Strange Statues of Salzburg

    April 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Today we headed out to check out some of the more unusual sculptural pieces of art on display around town, with a couple of church visits thrown in, and other sites of the city. And there are some unusual pieces for sure.

    First up was a strange statue that features the bust of Mozart plopped on top of a woman’s body. It is a bizarre three metres tall bronze statue created by artist Markus Lupertz, as a homage to Mozart. It is oddly disturbing, especially with it’s location outside the nearby church. Not what you expect to see as you leave a church service.

    Although I do think the church goers in Europe are immune to weird things with the number of skeletons and bones we have seen on display in their churches. And the church, St. Markus Kirche am Ursulinenplatz, St Mark’s, is no exception. This is a Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church which was originally built in 1616 before it was destroyed by a great rock fall in 1669. The building of the replacement and current church was completed in 1705. It is a very simple church compared to some we have seen but the most noticeable piece is the shrine with the relics of a Saint Boniface.

    From here we starting making our way towards the “big ticket items” when it comes to visiting Salzburg, and along the way passed yet another piece of unusual art. In the historic setting among the university buildings in the Old City of Salzburg stands a row of five human sized pickles known as Gurken (gherkins). Created by artist Erwin Wurm as part of the Salzburg Walk of Modern Art, they were odd to see, to say the least.

    We came across another church on the way which of course we stepped into. Kirche St. Blasius', St. Blaise’s Church, roots date back to the 12th century. Built directly on the cliff it is heritage-protected and now functions as a venue for concerts and Advent serenades. This does explain the lighting in there as it is not in keeping with the usual church feel.

    The next place of interest was the Pferdeschwemme, Horse Well. So much easier in our language. This is the largest of two surviving Medieval horse baths which back in the Middle Ages were used to wash horses. Fed by underground canals they have been in use since Roman times and were revamped in the 700s and 1200s. The centre statue is of a horse being restrained by its handler and the detail in this is amazing. The frescos on the back wall panels add to the theme, making this a very attractive monument.

    It is also used as a site in the Sound of Music movie, with Maria and the Von Trapp children dancing and splashing around in the water during the ending of the famous song “My Favourite Things”, another fact we did not know until after.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Kollegienkirche, Salzburg

    April 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    The next church we popped into was the Collegiate Church, which was built as a church for the Salzburg University. The church took thirteen years to build and was consecrated in 1707. It was built with four chapels - each one dedicated to the patron Saint of each of the university’s faculties; theology, medicine, philosophy and jurisprudence. It has served many purposes during its life from bay store to theatre to a church again. It’s white walls and soaring dome are so different to any other church we have seen. There is such an elegance in the lack of additional marble and frescos and colour. It really makes the pieces at their altars stand out, especially the ones accented with gold. And the details in the architraves and cornices are beautiful.

    There was also an art installation in the church by artist Annette Neutzner. Consisting of seven twelve metre long painted sails, representing our life path as a spiritual journey to ourselves. Each sail is a mediation on the Lord’s Prayer and the installation is called Sail set Hope. The contrast of the painted sails against the white church is quite striking, the modern against the old, so beautifully done.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Salzburg Cathedral

    April 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    Salzburg Cathedral is the seventeenth-century Baroque Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Salzburg and is dedicated to Saint Rupert and Saint Vergilius. Saint Rupert founded the church in 774 on the remnants of a Roman town, and the cathedral was rebuilt in 1181 after a fire. In the seventeenth century, the cathedral was completely rebuilt to its present appearance and it still contains the baptismal font in which composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptised.

    Inside the cathedral it's soaring painted dome and ceilings add colour to the white interior of beautifully carved cornices, architraves, arches and columns. We have visited so many churches and cathedrals that are just layers and layers of colours, textures and materials and they are impressive. However the lack of all these things allowed us to appreciate and admire all that the Salzburg Cathedral had to offer. It is a very beautiful church, inside and out.

    While we had an overcast today we were able to appreciate the exterior in better weather another day.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Residenzplatz, Salzburg

    April 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    Next to the cathedral is the Residenzplatz, one of the main squares in Salzburg, located in the historic center. Surrounded by several historic residences, it was built in 1587. At the center of the square is a fountain called Residenzbrunnen, built between 1656 and 1661 and while it wasn’t on today it is still an impressive fountain.

    One of the buildings around the square is home to the Salzburg Carillon or Glockenspiel. It is a musical instrument consisting of 35 bells which are played together or in various combinations
    , and the bells ring out three times a day. The bells were purchased by Archbishop Johann Ernst in Antwerp, Belgium in 1695 and the once in Salzburg the drive mechanism and brass drum were made by a local gunsmith Franz Sulzer and bell founder Benedikt Eisenberger, and the Glockenspiel was constructed. The brass drum has 7,964 holes in it to allow the sound to resonate. It began playing in 1704 a repertoire of 40 pieces and a clockwork element was added in 1873 where the movement of the clock would release the music, thus being able to pre-time the ringing of the Glockenspiel.

    We just happened to be in the square when the bells started ringing and the snow started falling. It was a surreal experience, especially as we were not expecting such cold weather or snow on this trip. It was pretty cool.

    We also came across an artist seeing his works of Salzburg and we liked his work so much we bought a piece for home. We do love buying art pieces when we travel as they bring back so many memories.

    We headed back to our apartment early as we had ticked off so many amazing sights and it was just so cold. I think it eventually reached the expected 5 degrees but was close to zero most of the day. Time for a rest, much more to do tomorrow and we are crossing our fingers that tomorrow is sunnier as it would be lovely to see Salzburg in all her glory.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Stiftskirche St. Peter, Salzburg

    April 4, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ -1 °C

    With the sun finally shining we headed out to see some more sights before our afternoon tour to Hallstatt. First up was a visit to Stiftskirche St. Peter,
    Saint Peter’s Church. The Church and Abbey of St. Peter’s were founded by the Frankish missionary Rupert in the 7th century. The monastic brotherhood of that time still exists, making it the oldest monastic order in Germany-speaking world today. After several fires, the church and abbey were restored in a number of different eras, with a long gallery added in the 17th century to house a painting collection.

    Mozart and Haydn both have close ties to the church. In 1769, Mozart, at 13 years of age, composed his “Dominick’s Mass” for the abbot, while a few years later Michael Haydn was commissioned by the abbey to write his “Rupert Mass”.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    St. Peter's Cemetery (Petersfriedhof)

    April 4, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ -1 °C

    Next to St Peter’s is the oldest cemetery in Salzburg, and one of the oldest in the world. The cemetery dates back to the year 700, with the monastery and Abbey having a continuous history since 696. The cemetery also featured in The Sound of Music. We love visiting cemeteries overseas as they are so different to ours and this one is no exception. The headstones, or grave markers, are so unique and detailed, and each plot is a bed of flowers. The graves all look so well taken care of and with the flowers blooming it is a very peaceful and beautiful place. St. Mary’s Chapel sits in the centre of the cemetery, which is the burial site for famous personalities, artists, scholars and merchants. Mozart’s sister is buried here.

    It does amaze me how much detail and what is included in shrines created for certain families, with imagery of skulls being very popular. The history and artistry makes this cemetery a very interesting spot to visit.    Read more

  • Debi ShawExploring Europe 2023Traveler

    Morning Stroll in Salzburg

    April 4, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 0 °C

    With time to kill before the funicular opened for the fortress we stopped for a delicious breakfast of strudel at Cafe Glockenspiel, next to the Residenzplatz. It is lovely seeing the fountain and square with the blue skies and sun shining, and the fountain was even running this morning.

    Even though we walked through town yesterday, it looks so much more inviting in better weather - and of course we took more photos.

    Next to the cathedral, shining in the sunlight is another one of Salzburg’s modern sculptures and this one is striking in its contrast to its surroundings. Titled “Sphaera”, it is 9 metres high and is a male figure with a neutral expression on top of a golden sphere. Apparently this piece evokes a great range of interpretation also. I would prefer the artists actually explained the meaning behind their pieces so we can easily understand them. However it is definitely eye-catching.

    Another piece we passed on our walks this morning was a piece called the “Cloak of Conscience”. Some observers see Death – or the opposite, namely that which remains. The inscription on the base reads: “The empty mantle as a symbol of that which survives us: the love we gave, the works we created, the suffering we bore.” To me it provokes a feeling of loneliness, of being invisible. I have loved the art pieces throughout the city as some have added interest, some are thought provoking and some are just plain strange.    Read more

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