Foto: The oldest library in Europe (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Austria - We continue wandering through the streets and arrive at Josefsplatz, part of the Hofburg complex. In the center stands the statue of Emperor Joseph II. Around the square are the Palffy Palace and the Pallavicini Palace. On the other side of Josefsplatz is the former library of Charles VI. The Prunksaal (State Hall) houses hundreds of thousands of historical books. Towering shelves full of old books span two floors. I’m impressed by the hall, with its beautifully baroque dome. The many frescoes give the Prunksaal a unique atmosphere. We follow the walking route through the Hofburg district. On the Graben, the broad shopping street, stands the Plague Monument — a tribute to the expulsion of the deadly disease in 1617. We pass luxurious shops behind beautifully decorated facades. Female statues support the structures, and angels gaze down at us from the buildings. Every house has something worth admiring.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Austria - Just before Sankt Johann in Tirol, we leave the highway. Passing well-known winter sports towns such as Brixen, Kirchberg, and Kitzbühel, we drive towards the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road. It’s already after seven o’clock when we arrive ...
Schonbrunn Palace
Austria - Today we are visiting Schönbrunn Palace. This former summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Empress Elisabeth is located just outside the center of Vienna. We board the metro at Schwedenplatz. From there, it's a direct ride to the palace. ...
Vienna
Austria - Vienna is the capital and one of the largest cities in Austria. Nearly two million people live in Vienna — more than 25% of Austria’s population resides in the capital. The city is the cultural, economic, and political center of the country. Until ...