History
Vienna has a rich history that is also quite long. However, the city as we know it today did not begin to grow and emerge until the 19th century. Thanks to its location and suitable climate, Vienna has been inhabited since the Stone Age. The name is derived from the local Celtic settlement of Vedunia. At the turn of the millenium, the city was conquered by the Romans, who built there a military camp city. It was called Vindobona at the time, and the task was to protect the northern border from the Germans. Marcus Aurelius died here in the year 180 and the Romans left the city in the 5th century. Vienna became the capital of Austria in 1155 under the influence of Margrave Henry II. Richard the Lionheart from England was captured here and the ransom paid for his release started the development of the city.
Very important for Vienna was that it became the capital city of the Habsburg dynasty.
In the period from 1529 to 1583, Turkish army was twice unsuccessfully besieging Vienna. The city was the residence of the Roman emperor and his court, and during the Napoleonic Wars, Vienna was declared the capital of the Austrian Empire. The big development of Vienna took place in the second half of the 19th century. The city walls were demolished and instead there was built a large roundabout, which is lined with beautiful public buildings and is called the Ringstraße. Even before the First World War, Vienna was inhabited by more than two million people, making it the fourth largest city in the world. Many artists have also settled here.
If you are interested to know more, we are looking forward to tell you more on our private tour to Vienna.
What you will see
On our Vienna Full Day Private Tour you can’t miss places below
Schönbrunn Palace
Schonbrunn Palace is a beautiful baroque palace which was used by the dynasty of habsburgs as a summer residence. The chateau has 1,441 rooms and 200 kitchens. 45 rooms are accessible. The interior is Rococo-style (mostly white with 14-carat gold ornaments) and includes Czech crystal chandeliers and a tiled stoves. The rooms where Emperor Francis Joseph lived and worked are furnished austerely and simply, but the other representative spaces and guest rooms are decorated very lavishly. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played there as a six-year-old miracle child in the hall of mirrors.
The palace has huge and beautiful gardens where in the Christmas time we are visiting famous christmas markets.
Stephansdom
History of Vienna’s main cathedral goes back to 1137. Its gothic part was built in the 14th century. On our private tour we will definitely not miss this highlight. From its tower there is a gorgeous view of the whole Vienna. Inside the cathedral there is a very precious late gothic pulpit and a beautiful organ. Many Austrian kings are buried there in crypts. Inside the northern tower there is the most famous Austrian bell named Pummerin which’s weight is an amazing 22 tons.
Hofburg Castle
Hofburg was the main palace of the Habsburg dynasty. It was used as their residence until the year 1918. Part of it is still used as an office of the Austrian president. Inside you can find the Austrian national library or The Emperor’s treasury. Hofburg castle has as well one of the most beautiful stables called The Spanish horse riding school with famous Viennese Lipican white horses. On our way we will not miss The Square of Heroes which is a great place for a picture or the castle garden named Burggarten.
Viennese Townhall ( Rathaus )
The main Viennese Christmas markets are situated here every year. The Town hall’s beautiful neo-gothic look makes them even more charming and no wonder Viennese markets are rated as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Ringstrasse
It is the main Viennese ring road built instead of the city fortification. The most beautiful buildings are standing there. As the town hall, States Opera, Burgtheater, Parlament, Museums, Universities and Office of the government.
Out of that we will see famous Kohlmarkt street, Graben street, Mozart’s house. If you like we can also visit Belvedere Chateau with its beautiful views on the city. We will show you some traditional restaurants where you can try the famous Austrian schnitzel or apple strudel. Vienna full day private tour is a great one day trip from Prague. We also recommend this tour during the winter for its charming Christmas markets.
