It is also capital of Austria with 1,6 million citizens and lies on banks of Danube river. City of Vienna is administratively divided into 23 districts, or how they say it in German, Bezirks. History of this city dates from the old Roman times when Vienna was just a settlement that served as a protection of the borders of the Roman Empire, but the real development of the Vienna we know today started in the 12th century. During the 14th century there was an important turning-point, that was the period when University of Vienna was founded and it is considered to be one of the 20 oldest universities in Europe.
The history of the city and the country was very turbulent during the past centuries, including the 16th and 17th century when Turks attacked a few times, but their attempts to occupy the city were futile. Those were the times when Vienna managed to protect not just itself, but also the whole Western Europe. That was also the time when the blooming of Vienna that we know today started – most of the fabulous buildings the city is famous for were built from that time on. Wars that happened during the 20th century didn’t do much harm to the overall look of the city and the second half of the 20th century was the beginning of the development of modern Vienna.
Attractions of Vienna are scattered all over the city, but we can say that most of them and the most interesting ones can be found in the area around the Ring street. There is Opera House, City Hall that irresistibly resembles the one in Bruxelles. The square in front of the City Hall is famous for the Christmas market during the winter holidays where millions of tourists come to buy some new tree decorations, try some of the traditional Christmas cookies or drink a glass of wine and listen to Christmas carols. On the other side of the street are situated the University of Vienna, Burgtheater, the royal palace of Hofburg and the building of Parliament which architecturally resembles old Greek temples.
The main and one of the most famous symbols of Vienna is St. Stephen’s Cathedral built in Gothic style. Its construction started in the 12th century and today it represents one of the most important Gothic edifices in the city and the entire country. Across the cathedral is located the Haas House, considered by many as a controversial building since it is built in a modern style and it doesn’t fit with the church. Another objection to the Haas House is that it is to large so the cathedral cannot be seen from a distance. So, in order to see the church, you have to stand almost right in front of it. Beside this magnificent church, Vienna is filled with other beautiful churches like Votive Church, St.Peter’s Church, St. Charles’s Church and many more.