Vienna is a city that is really minimally distant from our country. Especially from the southern part of our country, it is a short drive to Vienna. But from other areas it is no problem to get to this fascinating place. Those who do so will primarily head for the most famous and renowned sights. However, the city also offers a number of others that are often overlooked. What are these unique sights and what should not be missed by any visitor to this European capital? Take a look at a unique tip that will delight any traveller.
If you have visited Vienna, you will not have missed the main historical sights attractive to tourists, especially
- Hofburg Palace
- Schönbrunn Palace with zoo
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and
- Belvedere Castle.
Hofburg and its secrets
As for the Hofburg, it is a complex of palaces in the very centre of Vienna, the residence of kings and emperors and, since 1945, the seat of the office of the Austrian president.
In the buildings of the Hofburg, one can visit and admire, for example, the imperial apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Sisi, who also has her museum here. For lovers of historical silver and imperial tableware, there are extensive collections of these unique objects.
Hofburg and the Lipizzaners
However, if you are walking near the Hofburg and hear horses neighing, pay attention and run closer. You are in Michael Square, or Michaelerplatz, and standing in front of the entrance to the Spanish Court Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule), which you should not miss.
This is the only place in the world where the tradition of a college of horsemanship, which originated in Spain and has survived since the Renaissance, is still maintained. Lipizzaner horses are bred and trained for this purpose, and riders on these white-faced horses wear traditional uniforms. The performances are absolutely unique and the Vienna Spanish Court Riding School also takes them out to show them off to heads of state and other important personalities. At the Hofburg itself, the performances take place in a large theatre-like hall, with spectators sitting around in several rows (most of them above floor level), the hall is decorated with crystal chandeliers and the horses perform their skills to classical music, in complete synchronisation with the other horses and riders. Some exercises are performed from the saddle and from the hand, with the rider standing next to the coma and just holding the reins while the horse performs a challenging and beautiful to look at exercise on the spot.
Whether you are attending a morning exercise class or a gala performance, we can guarantee you will take away an unforgettable experience and a sense that, at least within these walls, history is still alive and well.
The importance and value that this equestrian art has is evidenced by the fact that it was inscribed as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2015.