Easter in Vienna.

This last weekend we drove four hours to spend a four day holiday in Vienna. And it was cold. But it was also lovely and wonderful.

Graffiti around Soviet War Memorial

   This spray paint-glorified wall surrounds the Soviet War Memorial at Schwarzenbergplatz. The memorial commemorates the Russian soldiers (17,000) who died while fighting for the takeover of Vienna and was built by the Soviet Army in 1945 (with the work done by prisoners of war and Vienna locals). Obviously the reminder of Soviet occupation is not a favorite sight to the Viennese and hence the names of Looter's Memorial and Memorial of the Unknown Rapist.

Red Army Soldier partially surrounded by the marble colannade.

   As part of the treaty that Austria signed for independence, they were forced to agree to care for the monument for the rest of time. With many wanting it torn down and frequent vandalizing, right now all that it can stand for is a reminder of Vienna's history. Upon stumbling onto the site, I had no idea about the controversy or dramatic past that it employed. Now the graffiti all makes sense.

End cap of the colannade.

   Moving on to the less deep and happier places of Vienna. When taking the train to Stephansplatz to view the cathedral as well as visit the many high-end shops in the area (Versace, Dolce, Chanel, Tiffany's..) be sure to find the window into the ruins of a previous church that were uncovered when building the tracks for the underground train. The window to the ruins is found inside the station. 

Stephansdom

   Even though we had ridden the Ferris Wheel previously, we agreed that it was just one of those things that you might as well do again.

Wiener Riesenrad

   All though the weather wasn't stupendous and the sky was grey and heavy, the view was still quite amazing. The tall buildings in the background are near the Danube River and are home to the Vienna International Center including quite large UN Building. The tower off to the left that is faintly visible is the Donauturm and is among the 75 tallest towers in the world. Next time we visit the city, we plan to ride the elevator to the top (in hopes of a clearer sky).

Vienna

   Our holiday was close to freezing but we had a delightful time and I can't wait to return for a third time because I don't care what the weather brings, I just love it here.

Stephansplatz