Spanische Reitschule (Spanish Riding School)

Spanische Reitschule (Spanish Riding School) Review

Between Augustinerstrasse and the Josefsplatz is the world-famous Spanish Riding School, a favorite for centuries, and no wonder: who can resist the sight of the stark-white Lipizzaner horses going through their masterful paces? For the last 300 years they have been perfecting their haute école riding demonstrations to the sound of Baroque music in a ballroom that seems to be a crystal-chandeliered stable. The interior of the riding school, the 1735 work of Fischer von Erlach the Younger, is itself an attraction—surely Europe's most elegant sports arena—and if the prancing horses begin to pall, move up to the top balcony and examine the ceiling. Tickets to some performances must be ordered many weeks in advance. Information offices have a brochure with the detailed schedule (performances are usually March-December, with the school closed July through mid-August). The new management under Elisabeth Gürtler (Hotel Sacher's owner) has brought about changes to performances; and, should you fall in love with one of the stallions, you can adopt it. Morning training sessions with music are held Tuesday-Saturday, 10-noon. Tickets are available at the visitor center, Michaelerplatz 1, Tuesday-Saturday (except holidays) 9-4, and at Josefsplatz, Gate 2 on the day of the morning exercise, 9-5. If you purchase your tickets through a ticket agency for a performance, it may add 22%-25% to the price of the ticket. Pick up reserved tickets at the office under the Michaelerplatz rotunda dome.