Vienna ~ The City of Music, part 2

Our long weekend in Vienna was full of sight seeing, drinking Glühwein and visiting palaces; however,  their were two highlights for me during the weekend.  The first highlight was seeing a concert in the beautiful home of the Vienna Philharmonic. Musikverein is the concert hall of the celebrated New Year's Day concerts.  Former directors include Johannes Brahms, Leonard Bernstein, Claudio Abbado and Riccardo Muti.  

back interior of the Musikverein.

Like the opera house, the lights at night on the Musikverein are gorgeous.  It has an intimate, beautiful interior and there's not a bad seat in the house!

looking at stage of Musikverein

Karlskirche is a Baroque church that dominates the square of Karlsplatz.  It was originally commissioned by Emperor Karl VI, who made a vow to build a great church during a terrible outbreak of the plague in 1713.  The two pillars in the front are modeled after Trajan's Column in Rome.   

alter of Karlskirche

frescos in the dome

You can climb up to the top of the dome for a close up look at ceiling frescos.  In 2004, scaffolding was constructed to do some restoration work and it became a way for people to get to the top of the dome and has beautiful views of the city.  

organ of Karlskirche

Anton Bruckner was just one of many classical music composers that was from Vienna.  His funeral was held at Karlskirche Church .

Vienna has their own "walk of fame".  Many composers stars are in the sidewalks around Vienna.

The Advent Market in front of Karlskirche church was one of my favorites.  Bales of straw were scattered in a play area and children were free to romp in the straw.  Mass produced items are not allowed and there were innovative artworks and unusual gifts. 

 some locals enjoying Glühwein at Advent Market

Girl with alpaca at Advent Market

sample of hand painted Christmas balls

The second highlight of our trip was a visit to the Spanish Riding School  or Spanische Hofreitschule.  We were lucky enough to be visiting when the performances were being held and we were able to get tickets to see a performance.  This is the home of the famous Lipazzaner stallions.  The history of these horses dates back to the 16th century and they are now attached to the school in Vienna were they demonstrate movements of classical dressage including "airs above the ground".  This is all done to classical music and it is truly a fabulous show.  It's horse ballet!  These are the horses that have been evacuated numerous times during war to avoid extinction.  The movie Miracle of the White Stallions is based on the true story of the United States Army under George Patton rescuing the horses from the Nazis.

front of the Spanish Riding School

before the performance

"airs above the ground"  image:Washington Post

The Royal Box 

our seats had an amazing view

After the performance, we took a tour of the newly constructed stables.  If you visit and do not get a chance to see a performance, it's worth seeing the horses in the stables.   

outside the Spanish Riding school 

Vienna is a city of beauty, history, the finest classical music and art museums.  We only had a taste of this amazing city during our long weekend and I would love to return.