Austria’s History

Austria is the perfect place to experience history first hand. From archeological excatations to open-air museums and coutless exhibitions, Austria’s eventful history from the Romans to the present is appartent everwhere. Aware of their heritage history is incorporated into everyday life through countless tradtions. As a result, the country’s historical artifacts, buildings and sites are painstakingly preserved, offering a glimpse into an exciting and varied past.

Famous Cathedrals

Vienna: St. Charles Cathedral (Karlskirche) is Vienna’s most prominent Baroque church. Currently the famous dome frescoes are under restoration until the end of 2205, and visitors, taking a lift to the upper reaches of the dome, have the unique chance to see the renovation work in progress.

Vienna: St. Stephen’s cathedral is arguably one of the world's most enchanting Gothic cathedrals. A 12th-century construction at heart, it was renovated in Gothic style between 1304 - 1433. Its Northern Tower, standing at a height of 70m, was redesigned according to Renaissance aesthetics in 1579 and the interior was given a baroque slant following the Counter Reformation.

Salzburg: The 17th century Salzburg Cathedral, modeled after Saint Peter’s in Rome, is Vienna’s soaring architectural centerpiece. The Cathedral, opulently appointed with decorative statuary, has an organ with over four thousand pipes and three massive bronze doors representing Faith, Love and Hope.
Locator: 115 mi. from Innsbruck.

Wachau Valley: Go from Salzburg to Melk to board the Danube ferry, but before boarding, visit the marvelous Benedictine Abbey of Melk, considered the apogee of Baroque architecture in Austria. The lavish interior decoration includes frescoes, gold ornaments and marble. Locator: 73 mi. from Vienna.

Innsbruck: The Hofkirche church contains the mausoleum of Emperor Maximilian I, a tomb guarded by 28 larger-than-life bronze figures representing royal families and heroes of chivalry. Locator: 115 mi. from Salzburg.

Jewish Heritage Sites

Vienna: The Jewish Museum houses a collection of religious and ceremonial objects, documents, paintings and drawings on the history of Vienna’s and Austria’s large Jewish community.

Vienna: The Jewish City Temple was built in 1825 by Josef Kornhausel, Vienna’s most eminent architect of the Biedermeier era. It was the only one of 94 synagogues to survive Reichskristallnacht in November 1938.