Weekend in Wien

Vienna, or Wien in German, is the capital of the Republic of Austria. Blessed with sunshine and a clear blue sky, we got checked into our hotel and headed out to explore the city. The Museum Quarter was a short 10 minute walk from our hotel and the heart of the city. Formally the Imperial Stables which housed the horses and carriage of the Royal Court, the collection of old and new style buildings are now home to several museums such as the Leopold Museum, the Natural Histories Museum, and the twin Fine Arts Museum.

A small Christmas Market was open in the Maria-Theresien-Platz Square adjacent to the MQ. The Maria-Theresien-Platz memorial dominates the square. The Empress is seated on her throne, holding the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 in her left hand. She is surrounded by major personages of her day: the standing figures are State Chancellor Kaunitz, Prince Liechtenstein, Count Haugwitz and her physician, van Swieten, while Generals Daun, Laudon, Traun and Khevenhüller are on horseback. The high reliefs depict illustrious figures from the fields of politics, economics and the arts, including Haydyn, Gluck and the child prodigy, Mozart.

From here, we continued down the Ringroad to the Rathaus, or Town Hall. Built between 1872 and 1883, it is home to the mayor and City Council of the City of Vienna. On the top of the tower is the Rathausmann, one of the symbols of Vienna. Home to Vienna’s largest Christmas Market, it is only fitting that the Rathaus is decorated as an Advent Calendar.

The beginnings of the Viennese Christmas Market date back to more than 7 centuries! In 1296, the emperor Albrecht I granted the privilege of organizing a “Dezembermarkt” (December Market) in order to ensure the supply for the urban population. In the 16th century, today’s “Christkindlmarkt” was named “Thomasmarkt” and took place around Christmas time and New Year’s Eve. Goods such as glass, leather, books, and toys can be purchased at the market. Most enjoyable for us was sampling all the delicious food! We tried chocolate covered bananas, Vienna sausages, and hot amaretto punch which was served in a collectible mug.

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