Classic Churches & Buildings of Vienna

Vienna is an bountiful magnet for classical arts-music, sculpture, architecture and more. Its 700 years of architectural glory are on proud display in the old downtown sector. With the exception of St. Stephen's Cathedral, which we saw the day before, this gallery represents one non-stop day of brisk walking and admiring a few of those majestic churches and landmarks. It was a fully planned 9 hour race against the clock ( no lunch, no breaks, 1 candy bar on the run) carefully timed to avoid all services and lunchtime closures. It was the most enjoyable day of the tour for me. The medieval city had a thick defensive wall around the core, but when rifled cannons were invented the wall went from protector to nuisance. It was removed and a circular road built in its place, called the Ringstrasse. All of the images in this gallery were taken within this small ring, or within a few yards of its perimeter. No motorized transportation was needed.
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  • A statue of Vienna's famous classical composer Johann Strauss. First photo taken in the soft light of dawn on "Church Marathon Day", the focus of this gallery.

    A statue of Vienna's famous classical composer Johann Strauss. First photo taken in the soft light of dawn on "Church Marathon Day", the focus of this gallery.

    00East Europe 2017 T6i 1502A, Statue of Johann Strauss, Vienna small

  • Vertical panorama of the Prunksaal, showpiece of the National Library of Austria. This is the ceremonial room of the library, located on the grounds of the Hofburg Palace.

    Vertical panorama of the Prunksaal, showpiece of the National Library of Austria. This is the ceremonial room of the library, located on the grounds of the Hofburg Palace.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1525,26,27 Prunksaal panorama, vertical, small

  • This is the largest baroque styled library in Europe.

    This is the largest baroque styled library in Europe.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1509B, Prunksaal Library, Vienna, small

  • Duke Albert II began this collection in the 14th century. It now holds over 7.5 million catalogued pieces.

    Duke Albert II began this collection in the 14th century. It now holds over 7.5 million catalogued pieces.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1539A, book shelves, the Prunksaal, Vienna,small

  • The ceiling of a side atrium in the Prunksaal, part of the National Library of Austria in Vienna.

    The ceiling of a side atrium in the Prunksaal, part of the National Library of Austria in Vienna.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1533A, side atrium ceiling, the Prunksaal, Vienna,small

  • Another similar atrium has its own unique frescoes and design variations.

    Another similar atrium has its own unique frescoes and design variations.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1513B, Prunksaal side wing ceiling, Vienna, small file

  • The Nazis confiscated many books and brought them here. Correcting those actions has been an ongoing project since the war ended. As of December 2003 nearly 33,000 items were successfully traced and returned to their owners' descendants.

    The Nazis confiscated many books and brought them here. Correcting those actions has been an ongoing project since the war ended. As of December 2003 nearly 33,000 items were successfully traced and returned to their owners' descendants.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1537A, globe and shelves, the Prunksaal, Vienna,small

  • East side bookshelves. Some items here are over 1600 years old and UNESCO registered.

    East side bookshelves. Some items here are over 1600 years old and UNESCO registered.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1531A, east side bookshelves, the Prunksaal, Vienna,small

  • Prunksaal Library. Largely ceremonial at one time, it has evolved into a valuable working tool for learning.

    Prunksaal Library. Largely ceremonial at one time, it has evolved into a valuable working tool for learning.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1514A, the Prunksaal, National Library of Vienna, small

  • One of the most impressive views upward I have ever had the privilege of enjoying. All frescoes in the Library were done by Austrian Daniel Gran, who died in 1757.

    One of the most impressive views upward I have ever had the privilege of enjoying. All frescoes in the Library were done by Austrian Daniel Gran, who died in 1757.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1517A, domed ceiling of the Prunksaal, Vienna,small

  • One goal of the library is to have copies of everything released in Austria for publication, including electronic media. By decree 4 copies must be presented to the Library upon release. The center statue is Emperor Karl IV, who ordered this magnificent structure built in the 1720's.

    One goal of the library is to have copies of everything released in Austria for publication, including electronic media. By decree 4 copies must be presented to the Library upon release. The center statue is Emperor Karl IV, who ordered this magnificent structure built in the 1720's.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1517A, main atrium of the Prunksaal, Vienna,small

  • What is visible in these photos is only a small part of the library's contents.

    What is visible in these photos is only a small part of the library's contents.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1526A, main atrium of the Prunksaal, Vienna,small

  • The floor of the ceremonial Room. For a long time Prunksaal access was by appoinment only, with an escort. Today I paid my fee and walked in, but emotionally bankrupt guards in black suits watch every move you make. That's okay- this is a national treasure chest.

    The floor of the ceremonial Room. For a long time Prunksaal access was by appoinment only, with an escort. Today I paid my fee and walked in, but emotionally bankrupt guards in black suits watch every move you make. That's okay- this is a national treasure chest.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1527A, atrium floor, the Prunksaal, Vienna,small

  • Maps, globes, and music are among the many non-book items collected by the Library.

    Maps, globes, and music are among the many non-book items collected by the Library.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1529A, bookshelves, the Prunksaal, Vienna-1529

  • Marble busts and statues of past emperors adorn the National Library of Austria.

    Marble busts and statues of past emperors adorn the National Library of Austria.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1530B, Final, Prunksaal upper shelves, Vienna,small

  • Even the access ladders in the Prunksaal have an antique look.

    Even the access ladders in the Prunksaal have an antique look.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1538A, access ladders, the Prunksaal, Vienna,small

  • The city of Vienna is having fun with a popular program to redesign pedestrian crossing lights in response to "why is it always a guy up there?" In addition to these figures they are randomly using Yoda, kangaroos, aliens, Neanderthals, gorillas, gay and lesbian couples, even Bart Simpson carrying a sword and shield. I love it. It gives you a "box of chocolates" moment as you approach a street but cannot yet see the symbols..

    The city of Vienna is having fun with a popular program to redesign pedestrian crossing lights in response to "why is it always a guy up there?" In addition to these figures they are randomly using Yoda, kangaroos, aliens, Neanderthals, gorillas, gay and lesbian couples, even Bart Simpson carrying a sword and shield. I love it. It gives you a "box of chocolates" moment as you approach a street but cannot yet see the symbols..

    00 fun with pedestrian crossing signs, Vienna

  • St. Anne's Church, one of the city's oldest, is blessed with a beautiful interior, and a bit cursed with a relatively unremarkable facade facing across a vary narrow street. The artwork in the sanctuary makes up for that.

    St. Anne's Church, one of the city's oldest, is blessed with a beautiful interior, and a bit cursed with a relatively unremarkable facade facing across a vary narrow street. The artwork in the sanctuary makes up for that.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1541B, Real Final,St Anne's Church, Vienna,small

  • The three wonderful ceiling frescoes in Annakirche (St. Anne's Church) were restored in 1970. They were painted about 280 years ago by Daniel Gran, the same artist that painted the amazing ceilings in the National Library of Austria, previously featured.

    The three wonderful ceiling frescoes in Annakirche (St. Anne's Church) were restored in 1970. They were painted about 280 years ago by Daniel Gran, the same artist that painted the amazing ceilings in the National Library of Austria, previously featured.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1548C, Final, St Anne's Church ceiling, Vienna,small

  • Side chapel in St. Anne's Church. The church was founded in the 1300's.

    Side chapel in St. Anne's Church. The church was founded in the 1300's.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1553E, sharp and smooth, St Annes Chapel ceiling, Vienna,small

  • St. Anne's Church ceiling and upper altar.

    St. Anne's Church ceiling and upper altar.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1549A, Annakirche (St Annes) ceiling and upper altar, Vienna,small

  • Closeup of center frescoe. St Anne's Church.

    Closeup of center frescoe. St Anne's Church.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1550B, Final, St Anne's Church single frescoe, Vienna,small

  • Fancy wood transoms and doors on a building in downtown Vienna.

    Fancy wood transoms and doors on a building in downtown Vienna.

    00East Europe 2017 T6i 1480B, fancy transoms and doors, Vienna small

  • St. Charles Cathedral at night, with the pool sculpture in the foreground.

    St. Charles Cathedral at night, with the pool sculpture in the foreground.

    00East Europe 2017 T7i 1355A, St Charles, pool sculpture, night

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    St. Anne's Church ceiling and upper altar.
    Closeup of center frescoe. St Anne's Church.
    Fancy wood transoms and doors on a building in downtown Vienna.