first time in Vienna
Sep 14th, 2004, 04:19 AM
#21
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Rebecka, thank you for your nice words about Vienna! Yes, it is my hometown and I love it very much. One reason why I am posting here is to help people discover Vienna's beauty.
There is a connection between the simple coffin of Maria Theresia's son, Joseph II., and Mozart's grave. Joseph was an emperor who loved to dress simple and join "common people" in the street. He is now seen as a kind of reformer. In his times, people used to spend a fortune for a grandiose funeral, often more than the family could afford. Therefor he made a law that forbid expensive funerals. In fact, he invented the recycling coffin with a flap on its downside so it could be opened over the grave and used several times. Consequently his coffin is simple, and Mozart's funeral was appropriate at the time (although the legend of being too poor to have a big funeral is far more romantic to some...).
There is a funeral museum in the 4th district of Vienna, I think it is the only one in the world.
There is a connection between the simple coffin of Maria Theresia's son, Joseph II., and Mozart's grave. Joseph was an emperor who loved to dress simple and join "common people" in the street. He is now seen as a kind of reformer. In his times, people used to spend a fortune for a grandiose funeral, often more than the family could afford. Therefor he made a law that forbid expensive funerals. In fact, he invented the recycling coffin with a flap on its downside so it could be opened over the grave and used several times. Consequently his coffin is simple, and Mozart's funeral was appropriate at the time (although the legend of being too poor to have a big funeral is far more romantic to some...).
There is a funeral museum in the 4th district of Vienna, I think it is the only one in the world.
Sep 14th, 2004, 01:13 PM
#22
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a first time treat in Vienna is the Cafe Central as mentioned previously. good food, pastry and during many hours music including Friday night Jazz.
Regarding cell phones- most cafes and restaurants allow phones- however most Wieners are polite and walk outside or away from people to have their conversation.
Figlmüllers is not a MUST in Vienna. Many restaurants have better schnitzel at better prices.
If you must try it - go to the newer location on Backerstrasse ( about 100 metres from the original) It is usually much less crowded .
Message Viennese:
good information about Joseph 2nd. I knew that he was known as the " Great Reformer" but not about the casket.
I would like to add the information about his statue on Josefplatz that is known by many only due to its place in the movie " The Third Man"
The coffin of Empress Maria Theresia is also big to accomodate the very large lady. In later life she had a special ramp built to the upper stories of the Hofburg for her carraige. This releived her from climbing the stairs. Perhaps having 16 children did not help either.
Regarding cell phones- most cafes and restaurants allow phones- however most Wieners are polite and walk outside or away from people to have their conversation.
Figlmüllers is not a MUST in Vienna. Many restaurants have better schnitzel at better prices.
If you must try it - go to the newer location on Backerstrasse ( about 100 metres from the original) It is usually much less crowded .
Message Viennese:
good information about Joseph 2nd. I knew that he was known as the " Great Reformer" but not about the casket.
I would like to add the information about his statue on Josefplatz that is known by many only due to its place in the movie " The Third Man"
The coffin of Empress Maria Theresia is also big to accomodate the very large lady. In later life she had a special ramp built to the upper stories of the Hofburg for her carraige. This releived her from climbing the stairs. Perhaps having 16 children did not help either.
Sep 14th, 2004, 04:52 PM
#23
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Viennese, it's clear that the next time I plan on visiting Wien, I'll have to pick your brain for more insider information! I never tire of historical factoids and enjoyed learning quite a bit about the old Hapsburg clan while in Vienna.
Molker, while Maria Theresia may have been a large woman I understand that the real reason she is buried in a double coffin is to also accommodate the earthly remains of her husband, Franz of Lothringen, who predeceased her.
Molker, while Maria Theresia may have been a large woman I understand that the real reason she is buried in a double coffin is to also accommodate the earthly remains of her husband, Franz of Lothringen, who predeceased her.
Sep 14th, 2004, 10:54 PM
#24
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Message Rebecka: true, but he was a small man and very thin from constant late evening trips outside the Hofburg to visit lady friends.
This did not seem to bother MT.
For art lovers- a new and excelent Rubens exhibit opens at the Albertina today.I believe it will be there unti March.
This did not seem to bother MT.
For art lovers- a new and excelent Rubens exhibit opens at the Albertina today.I believe it will be there unti March.
Sep 15th, 2004, 07:20 AM
#25
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We visited Vienna for the first time this past June (we're a family of four, including two teens). We all loved it. What a remarkable city. We walked around the first day like total tourist-geeks, saying "jeez, look at that beautiful building..." We were so taken with the gorgeous architecture, and had beautiful blue-sky days. I don't think you can go wrong there, so many things to do and see. The people were very helpful, and boy, is it clean! We stayed at the wonderful Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth, located right in the heart of things. We saw the Lipizzaners' morning exercise and toured the stables, toured the Stephansdom catacombs, the Schoenbrun (sp?) Palace, the Hapsburg royal apartments, and walked endlessly on the charming streets of old Vienna, having meals in the little restaurants we found along the way. We loved Vienna and bet you will, too.
Sep 15th, 2004, 07:35 AM
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Vienna will always have a special place in my heart... the first place in Europe I ever visited. I spent three weeks there for a school program in 1998. What a magnificent city! I plan to return someday. Mike, you're going to love it!
Sep 15th, 2004, 10:05 AM
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For good food and generous portions including excelent schnitzel try Zum Renner in Nussdorf. Take Street car " D " to the next to last stop. Zum Renner is on the Square across the street from street car stop.
A nice garden in summer and excelent beer and wine are additional reasons to go there.
This is not a tourist trap!!
Also good Fuhrgassl- Huber Neustift am Walde 69 .( bus 35A stops at the entrance)
Family heurigen excelent schnitzel and wine. Perfect garden in summer.
try www.fuhrgassl-huber.at
You will also see other properties run by the daughters on the site. All are good with fair prices and service.
For a real treat ( depending on the season )try our " Sturm" white and red- fermented grape juice not yet wine ( take care it still packs a punch) now starting and " most" unfiltered grape juice direct from the wine press- usually cloudy but sweet. You can find the above at most Heurigen.
A nice garden in summer and excelent beer and wine are additional reasons to go there.
This is not a tourist trap!!
Also good Fuhrgassl- Huber Neustift am Walde 69 .( bus 35A stops at the entrance)
Family heurigen excelent schnitzel and wine. Perfect garden in summer.
try www.fuhrgassl-huber.at
You will also see other properties run by the daughters on the site. All are good with fair prices and service.
For a real treat ( depending on the season )try our " Sturm" white and red- fermented grape juice not yet wine ( take care it still packs a punch) now starting and " most" unfiltered grape juice direct from the wine press- usually cloudy but sweet. You can find the above at most Heurigen.
Sep 15th, 2004, 10:41 AM
#29
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Demel's is a great place to have coffee, a torte and people watch.
The cafes and local wine out from Vienna are very nice. Take a trip to Krems, Vienna Woods and, for cheaper crystal, Bratislava (in Slovakia but just 1 hour train ride from the Sudbahnhof).
The cafes and local wine out from Vienna are very nice. Take a trip to Krems, Vienna Woods and, for cheaper crystal, Bratislava (in Slovakia but just 1 hour train ride from the Sudbahnhof).
