Majestic Vienna

This morning we made our way to Josefplatz, right in the middle of Imperial Vienna. We had tickets for a performance at The Spanish Riding School, by the famous Lipizzaner horses. The arena in which they perform is simply fantastic; elliptical in shape, of classical design with 46 Corinthian columns supporting the domed roof & three amazing chandeliers to light their way. These Spanish horses were first brought to Austria by Emperor Maximilian 11 in 1562. In 1580 they were given the name Lipizzaner after a stud farm in Trieste and around the same time the first riding hall was built. The baroque building we see today was completed in 1735, under the reign of Karl V1. On entry to the arena horse and riders ‘bow’ to their founders portrait which is positioned over the royal box. The elegant white stallions that perform are born black and only acquire their dazzling white coats between the ages of 4 and 10. The training of both horse and rider is long and extensive. The ‘ballet’ they perform lasts an hour and is highly disciplined, technical and in three parts. The overall effect is quite magnificent in a setting to match. Photographs are not permitted during the performance, not wishing to startle the horses, but I have included some of the arena.
After all this artistry a call at one of Vienna’s famous coffee houses was definitely called for. Demel was close by and we soaked in the atmosphere, enjoyed a first class coffee and it was time to sample an apple strudel and vanilla sauce, having ticked off the Sackertorte in Salzburg. Well, it’s almost obligatory isn’t it? Before leaving I purchased some of their special candied violets. The cafe would supply candied violet sorbet to Empress Elizabeth or Sisi as she was known.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the old part of Vienna in all its glory. The Cathedral is at its heart and known as Stephansdom or ‘Steffl’ to the locals. It is pure Gothic, although parts of it date back to the 11th century. The Cathedral was badly damaged by bombing during World War 11 and was lovingly rebuilt from the ashes as a symbol of hope for the future. We were lucky enough to listen to the choir and accompanying orchestra rehearsing for a performance this evening.
Vienna was of course the capital of the Habsburg Empire for centuries and at its centre is the Hofburg, Vienna’s former Imperial Palace. It is a vast grand building surrounded by museums, the Parliament building, the Burg Theatre and others in similar classic style. I am sure the idea was to ensure any visitor to Vienna was seriously impressed and intimidated by the power of the Emperor and the Hapsburg dynasty and you would be hard pressed not to be.Baca lagi