Around 100 A.D. the Romans built a fortress on the Danube River. Next to the fortress a settlement was built which nowadays is Vienna. After the Romans left, the town remained and began to expand. The area was occupied by the Hungarians and later on by the Babenbergs. The emperor moved his court into Vienna around 1155 and named the lands Austria.
In 1276 King Ottocar was killed and the city was taken over by Rudolf I of Habsburg. The Habsburgs started building and renewal and made Vienna into a beautiful and glorious city. In 1529 the Turks occupied the city. In the next 150 years the city was plagued by wars. In 1679 the "Black Death" ravaged the city and killed many of its inhabitants. In 1683 Ottoman Empire tried to siege the city again. They weren't successful thanks to the help of German and Polish troops.
From 1740 to 1790 Maria Theresa made many reforms in Austria, such as the abolishment of torture and religious intolerance. In 1805 and 1809 Napoleon made war on Austria and occupied Vienna. By 1815 he was defeated and the power was restored. After 30 years there was an uprise against the monarchy, but that didn't last long. In the last half of the 19th century the city grew as population started to grow.
In 1916 the monarchy ends and Vienna is forced into an alliance with Nazi Germany in 1938 and becomes a province of the Third Reich. In World War II Vienna was destroyed by allied bombs. The city was occupied by the allied forces after the defeat of Germany. In 1955 Vienna became self-governing again and has later been used for meetings between the USA and the Soviet Union.
Schönbrunn Palace - This palace was the former summer residence of the imperial family. You can walk through the beautiful park, a Labyrinth or even the zoo. Inside you can visit the rooms in a audio guided tour.
Official website: Schoenbrunn.at
Address: Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse 47, 1130 Vienna
The Vienna Zoo at Schönbrunn - The Vienna Zoo is part of the Schönbrunn Palace and it the world's oldest zoo. Some of the 500 animal species are threatened and have the chance for survival as a species. From giant pandas to elephants, here you find animals from all over the world. If that's not enough, you can also visit the tropical rain forest. A zoo for young and old.
Official website: Zoovienna.at
Address: Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Vienna
Spanish Riding School - This show with snowy white Lipizzaner stallions and their riders is a must see for horse lovers. In this baroque Winter Riding School you experience the beautiful movements of the Lipizzaner stallions in harmony with the music.
Official website: Srs.at
Address: Michaelerplatz 1, A-1010 Wien
Madame Tussauds Vienna - From Barack Obama to Napoleon and from the Dalai Lama to Quentin Tarantino. In this museum with wax figures you'll see many celebrities.
Official website: Madametussauds.com/wien
Address: Riesenradplatz 1, 1020 Wien
St. Stephen's Cathedral - The St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna is a iconic landmark of Austria. Climb the 343 steps or go down into the catacombs. St. Stephen's holds a varied collection of art history and has a beautiful architecture.
Official website: Stephanskirche.at
Address: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
