The River Danube offers you the chance to explore a great many cultural delights in a number of Europe’s most historic cities and Vienna river cruises are among the most satisfying. It’s a city with a distinguished musical pedigree and some real architectural wonders and indeed on the majority Vienna river cruises, you’ll no doubt see mention of the Ringstrasse on your itinerary.
What’s the Ringstrasse?
Well, even if you have only a little German, you could probably work this out for yourself, as Austrian German is very similar but just in case you can’t, the Ringstrasse is a circular road which surrounds Vienna’s Inner Stadt district. It is such a staple of Vienna river cruises because it’s a satisfying concentration of some of the city’s most historic buildings, located quite close together, making it an ideal place to head for if you’re only in the city for the day. As well as being literally descriptive, the name makes reference to the historical style – translated as ‘Ringstrasse Style’ – which was common in the 1860s to 1890s.
When was it built?
Naturally, being that it comprises a great many buildings and structures, the Ringstrasse wasn’t all built at once and has its origins in the demolition of Vienna’s old city walls. And old these walls were, dating back to the 13th century, when they were constructed using the money from the ransom payment for the release of Richard I. They certainly came in handy during the first Turkish Siege of 1529, but by the mid-1850s there was no real need for them. Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria certainly agreed with this and in 1857, ordered their demolition, along with plans for a new boulevard and buildings to showcase the prestige and power of the Habsburg Empire and also, following the 1848 Revolution, make it impossible to erect barricades in the city. Thus from 1857 onwards, a number of buildings began to be constructed around the Ringstrasse until it became the satisfying focal point of many Vienna river cruises that it is today.
What can I see?
During Vienna river cruises, it’s certainly satisfying enough to stroll around the ring and take in the marvellous architecture and landscaping, just as Sigmund Freud was wont to do on his daily constitutional, but explore further and you’ll find an impressive choice of buildings, each with their own appeal.
Vienna State Opera
One of the world’s most famous opera houses, this is a must-see for architecture buffs and opera afficionados alike. The construction of the Ringstrasse was greatly enhanced by Vienna’s City Expansion Fund and this marvellous building was the first major structure to be erected as a result of the funds. After eight years of construction, it was completed in 1869 in the Neo-Renaissance style. It was redesigned following damage its front section sustained during bombardment during the Second World War, thought this was done with a view to keeping as much of the original design as possible. Interior highlights include a number of richly decorated halls and a beautiful marble staircase but to really get the most out of the place, take in an operatic performance.
Austrian Parliament Building
The place where Vienna’s two Houses of Parliament still conduct their sessions today, this majestic building was completed in 1883 in a Greek Revival style, something immediately apparent in the exterior columns which feature as part of its central entrance area. At over 13,500 square meters, it’s one of the largest buildings on the Ringstrasse and contains over 100 rooms, some of which are used in a number of the country’s key ceremonies, such as the swearing-in of the Austrian President. There’s so much to see inside, but highlights include the spectacular Hall of Pillars, which contains 24 Corinthian Pillars made of Adnet marble – each weighing in at a hefty 16 tons and the expansive Former House of Representatives Chamber.
Rathaus (Town Hall)
Another architectural (and political) heavyweight, this splendid building is the seat of the city council and also assembly of the State of Vienna. It’s a great example of gothic architecture and took 11 years to build, being completed in 1883. Looking down from his lofty perch at the very top of the structure is the Rathausmann, who is one of the country’s national symbols. He’s a medieval knight – over three meters tall and made out of melted-down Russian kopecks. The Rathaus is currently being renovated – a project which started last year and which is expected to be finished in 2023. It’s certainly worth an exploration, on which you can learn all about its history but if you’re visiting by river cruise ship during Christmas, it really comes alive, with a traditional market and ice rink outside both popular festive fixtures.
The Natural History Museum
Natural history museums are always a satisfying component of any city visit, but Vienna river cruises offer the opportunity to visit one which is a particular architectural highlight, too. Interestingly, this museum is one of an identical pair on the Ringstrasse – the other being the Art History Museum. They were built to exactly the same specification and exist as testimony to the thoughtful aesthetic planning that went into the Ringstrasse’s construction. Inside, you’ll find 39 different exhibition halls and thousands of exhibits, which make this one Europe’s largest, and certainly one of its most beautiful museums.
Votivkirche
Or, the Votive Church as it is also known. This magnificent neo-gothic creation came about as a result of the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, who initiated a campaign to thank God for saving the life of his brother – Emperor Franz Joseph – in 1853, who survived an assassination attempt. It was consecrated in 1879 and since then has welcomed both worshippers and visitors alike and its distinctive twin spires are a distinctive sight along the Ringstrasse. It’s typically gothic and the exterior offers many a satisfying photo opportunity. Inside you’ll find an ornate marble main altar, decorated with some beautiful glass mosaics.
By Simon Brotherton
Google
photo credit: World/In/My/Eyes via photopin cc
photo credit: max.pfandl via photopin cc
