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Vienna, the capital and the largest city of Austria also happens to be its cultural, economic, and political centre. There are various heritage buildings to be seen in this vibrant city and one of them is the St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Vienna and the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, OP. The church displays Romanesque and Gothic style and stands on the ruins of two earlier churches, the first being a parish church consecrated in 1147. The cathedral holds pride in hosting many important events in that nation’s history and it is in fact one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.

This 107 mertes long, 40 metres wide and 136 metres tall massive church was dedicated to St. Stephen. The building is made of limestone but soot and other forms of air pollution accumulating on the church have given it a black color. However, recent restoration projects have again returned the building to its original white.

The Cathedral’s massive south tower is its highest point and a dominant feature of the Vienna skyline. At the tip of the tower stands the double-eagle imperial emblem with the Habsburg-Lorraine coat of arms on its chest, surmounted by a double-armed apostolic cross. The north tower stands at 68 meters tall (223 ft), roughly half the height of the south tower.

The main entrance to the church is named the Giant’s Door. The tympanum above the Giant’s Door depicts Christ Pantocrator flanked by two winged angels. On the left and right are the two Roman Towers. The Roman Towers, together with the Giant’s Door, are the oldest parts of the church.

The cathedral stands high in glory with its ornately patterned, richly coloured roof, 111 meters (361 ft) long, and covered by 230,000 glazed tiles. The roof is so steep that it is sufficiently cleaned by the rain alone and is seldom covered by snow. St. Stephen’s Cathedral has 23 bells in total.

There are 18 altars in the main part of the church, and more in the various chapels. There are several formal chapels in St. Stephen’s Cathedral including St. Katherine’s Chapel, St. Barbara’s Chapel, St. Eligius’s Chapel, St. Valentine’s Chapel and many more.

One of the top tourist attractions in Vienna is the Albertina museum which is home to one of the largest and most important print rooms in the world with approximately 65,000 drawings and approximately 1 million old master prints, as well as more modern graphic works, photographs and architectural drawings. The museum holds permanent exhibitions on two significant collections of Impressionist and early 20th century art, as well as frequent temporary exhibitions too.

The original building was taken over by Duke Albert of Saxen-Teschen who used it as his residence and later brought his graphics collection there from Brussels. The collection was expanded by Albert’s successors. In 1776, the Austrian ambassador of Venice presented nearly 1,000 pieces of art to Duke Albert and his wife Maria Christina.

Since 1805 it has been founded in one of the most magnificent neoclassical palaces in Europe: the Palais Albertina. The Batliners then set up the Herbert and Rita Batliner Art Foundation, which transferred the artworks to the Albertina as a permanent loan. The museum houses works from the Swiss collection of Eva and Mathias Forberg, around 100 works from the Batliner Collection,  outstanding works by Paul Klee from the Carl Djerassi Collection, paintings by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Miró, Klee, Kandinsky, Chagall, and other masters along with late works by Picasso and exhibits by Rothko and Bacon and works by contemporary artists such as Anselm Kiefer and Gerhard Richter.

Although the Albertina is a state museum, it is particularly fortunate because it gets a larger proportion of its budget from the private sector than other museums in Austria. When in Vienna, the museum is a must see by all the art lovers.

When in Vienna, hiking tempts all those who love adventure and sports. The city of Vienna has many hiking trails running for over 500 kilometers, mostly through the Vienna Woods on the edge of the city or through Vienna’s local recreation areas. Each trail has added attractions in the form of service areas, restaurants and heurige along with benches and tables at picturesque viewpoints. Some of the best hiking trails of Vienna are:

The 11 kilometer-long City Hiking Trail 1 begins at the terminus of tram line D in Vienna’s heurige town of Nussdorf and leads you to the Vienna Woods and Danube, through vineyards and woods to the Stefaniewarte on the Kahlenberg. On the you can stop by at Restaurant Kahlenberg as well as at the heurige on Wildgrubgasse, Kahlenberger Straße and in Nussdorf. If you take the City Hiking Trail 1a, you get to hike along the Danube beach promenade, climb the Leopoldsberg and the Kahlenberg and end up in the romantic Kahlenbergerdorf.

The 120 kilometer-long Rundumadum Hiking Trail has inns and shelters for resting in between the hike. The trail encircles the city in 24 easy to manage stages.

The 17 kilometer long circular First Vienna Water Trail is for those who love waters. It starts from the Lower Old Danube (U1 Alte Donau) to the National Park Donauauen. Those who prefer the shorter distance of 7.5 kilometers can turn around at the Kaisermühlenspitz and finish their tour with a walk across the Kagran Bridge.

When visiting Green Prater, you can take up the 13 kilometer-long City Hiking Trail 9, which takes you directly from Praterstern (U1 Praterstern) away from the main avenue on the level to the little water meadow area at Freudenau.

The famous City Hiking Trail 5 lets you walk through old cellar lanes, roam through vineyards and oak woods and catch a glimpse of the rare orchids that grow here. Hiking companions are available for free at the starting point of your tour in the heurige town of Stammersdorf.

Vienna is a splendid city full of culture and endless sightseeing opportunities. It attracts tourists from all over the globe and is certainly worth a visit. The Viennese culture is known all over the world for its finesse and class. Here are a few places which you must visit if you ever make a trip to Vienna.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn(Vienna zoo) – this is located very close to the palace in Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse. This zoo built in the mid-18^th century has a wide range of animals kept within it. Children are especially fascinated by its animals. This is another place you must visit. You wil be awed by the cleanliness and concern that the zookeepers have.

Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Palace) – this palace is located in the street Schönbrunner Schlosspark, Vienna, AT-1130, Austria, AT.  To visit this entire faculty you need at least half a day. The palace features 40 exceptionally furnished rooms that will hold you in awe. Not only this, its gardens are even more remarkable. Wide expanses of greenery spreading around it like an oasis of calm on earth. The spectacular view it offers is breadthtaking!

Botanische Gärten der Universität Wien (University Botanical Gardens) – these gardens are located in Mechelgasse 2, Landstrasser Gürtel 1, Vienna, AT-1030, Austria, AT. Covering an area of 20 acres / 8 hectares, this garden is truly a sight to behold. The tranquility is almost tangible in the air. Built by Empress Maria Theresia, as a rather grand herb garden, this garden today is one of the leading attractions of Vienna. It features several plant species that hold special significance in the field of botany. Its construction and architecture are excellent examples of Viennese culture and excellence. It is open daily and entry is free of cost.

Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) / Staatsoper (Opera House) – this opera house is located in 2 Opernring, Vienna, AT-1010, Austria, AT. A performance by the Vienna State Opera is an experience that must not be missed at any cost. It is one of the best opera companies in the whole of Europe.  The building itself is a breathtaking sight with its Neo-Romantic façade and palatial features. It dates back to the 1860s. However the original opera house had to be rebuilt following damages that it sustained during the WWII. Its size is enormous and it can accommodate as many as 2000 people! If you ever visit Vienna you must visit the Opera house. It is open almost daily while the timings vary from show to show. There is an entry fee.

Watersports on the Old Danube – Located in  Vienna, Austria, AT, the ‘Old Danube’ is a long stretch of clear blue water. While it is certainly a picturesque sight, it is also a source of goo entertainment. During the summer month a variety of water sports are hosted here and this is the major cause for its popularity. Not only the tourists but also the Viennese flock to this island to swim, sail or even windsurf. This is the perfect place for you if you are a fun-loving person. It is open daily and the entry is free.

Prater Amusement Park / Riesenrad (Giant Wheel) – this place is located in Prater 9, Wiener Praterverband, Vienna, AT-1020, Austria, AT. Filled with fun and frolic this amusement park is another must visit. Located close to Vienna city centre, it features rides ranging from merry-go-rounds and ghost trains, to go-karts and speedy roller coasters, perfect for those looking for a quick adrenaline rush. The ride Riesenrad transports passengers to a height of more than 65 metres / 213 feet, where the views are awe-inspiring. Though filled with many modern rides, this park’s roots date back to the 19th century. The spreading ‘Green Prater’ forest is also located close by.