V
IENNA
, T O D AY
AND
Y E S T E R D AY
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. For centuries, it has been a bustling hub of music and culture, as well as the home of many of the most important leaders and thinkers of European history. Travelers from around the world flock to the city every year.
T HE H EART
OF
A
USTRIA
Though there is evidence of human settlement in the area as far back as 500 B.C., the city now known as Vienna was founded in 15 B.C. by the Romans. Originally known as Vindobona, the city was built to fortify settlements against aggressive Germanic tribes.
A N E W R O YA L H O M E In 1145, Duke Henry II of the
ruling Babenberg dynasty made Vienna his family’s home city. Ten years later, he declared the city the official capital of the
Duchy of Austria. By 1483, the city had also become the de facto capital of the Holy Roman Empire, ensuring it would
forever be an important part of European history.
RISE
OF
THE
HABSBURGS
In 1440, Vienna became the home city of the Habsburg dynasty, one of the most important royal houses in European history. Under the Habsburg’s rule, Vienna became a political and cultural powerhouse, leading Europe in music, art, and science.
A
USTRO
-HUNGARIAN EMPIRE When the Austrian Empire was founded in 1804, Vienna became the central city of one of the great modern European powers. The Austrian Empire would eventually merge with the Kingdom of Hungary to create the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with Vienna as its capital from its founding in 1867 to its collapse in 1918.
THE CITY
Vienna is often called “the city of music,” and for
good reason. Musicians who were born in the city or who moved there to work include such world-famous
and influential composers as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Joseph Haydn,
Franz Schubert, Arnold Schönberg, Johannes Brahms, and Gustav Mahler.
OF
MUSIC
FAMOUS V
IENNA
•
LANDMARKS Vienna State Opera, also known as the Vienna Opera House, is a must-see.
•
Zentralfriedhof, or Central Cemetery, is one of the largest cemeteries in Europe, featuring the Ehrengräber (“honorary graves”) of some of Vienna’s most
famous residents. •
Karlsplatz Stadtbahn Station, a site well known for its Jugendstil architecture.
•
St. Steven’s Cathedral, home of the Vienna archdiocese, and an example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
V
ISIT
V
IENNA
AmaWaterways is proud to offer nine different cruises - including our most popular cruise Melodies of the Danube – that give travelers a chance to experience the beauty of Vienna. Visit the city’s greatest attractions and explore its rich history and culture firsthand for an experience you’ll never forget.
C O N TA C T U S AmaWaterways offers luxury river cruises in Europe, Asia, and Africa. For more information on our tour packages, visit us today at www.amawaterways.com.
SOURCES
•
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna
•
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Vienna
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria-Hungary
•
https://chloesaustrianadventure.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/10-things-you-shouldknow-about-vienna-and-other-interesting-facts/
S U M M A RY Vienna has been the capital of Austria for centuries, and holds an important place in Europe’s cultural and political history. Let’s cruise the past to discover why Vienna intrigues travelers to this day.