Architecture of Austria is marked by a great variety of styles and traditions ranging from ornate baroque buildings to modern innovations which reflect different periods in history of Austria. The centuries of Habsburgs' rule, for example, have left an impressive number of beautiful constructions testifying to the land prosperity and the power of the royal family.
The land has quite a number of sightseeings and attractions luring tourists from all over the world to travel Austria. Historic centers of Vienna, Graz and Salzburg, palaces and gardens of Scheonbrunn, Innsbruck and many other sites are included in the World Heritage List among other 830 properties as they are considered to have immense universal value.
Austria is famous for its ancient castles, gorgeous palaces, and solemn cathedrals. Among most prominent works of architecture to see when you travel Austria we could probably single out such castles as Burg Hohenwerfen, Liechtenstein Castle, palaces like Scheonbrunn and the Belvedere, cathedrals including the Minoritekirche in Vienna, the Melk Abbey, and even the Imperial Crypt cemetery. Some of them will be described in more detail below for you to know the best places to visit while you travel Austria.
Built on a rock overlooking the mighty Danube, Melk Abbey, or Stift Melk is one of the world's most celebrated monastic places, attracting people who travel Austria not only for its excellent library containing unique medieval manuscripts, but also for the magnificent Baroque-style church decorated with beautiful quaint frescos.
Seeking for some thrilling adventures while you travel Austria? Then be sure to include the Burg Hohenwerfen on your must-see list. The castle that used to serve as a bastion, a hunting residence and a state prison at different periods of its existence is now a kind of museum offering its visitors exciting guided tours carrying you away to the ancient times.
A number of innovative engineering solutions was employed during construction of the Semmering Railway. It was the the world's first railroad to be built in mountains and so presented a challenging task to complete. The fact that it is still fully functional today, 150 years later, speaks for itself. Those who have a chance to travel by the Semmering Railway will be amazed how harmonically it blends with the beautiful landscape around.
Come to the Liechtenstein Castle situated south of Vienna and see if its name (bright stone) justifies itself, enjoy the Belvedere Baroque palace complex with its beautiful water basin, orangeries, nymphs and goddesses as well as exquisite interior decorations still guarding secrets of the imperial family, roam around the 1,441 rooms of the renowned Scheonbrunn modeled on Versailles and you will be fascinated with the wealth of traditions in architecture of Austria. |
