Vienna

The Jesuitkirche and Karlskirche (by luxpim), two of many fine Baroque churches in Vienna.

With a population of about 1.6 million, Vienna (German: Wien) is the largest city, the capital city, and the cultural and political center of Austria.

Situated on both sides of the river Danube, Vienna is only 40 km from the Slovakian border.

From 15 BC, when the Romans selected a Celtic settlement on the Danube River in as one of their most important central European forts, "Vindobona," the city we now know as Vienna, has played a vital role in European history. Austria grew up around the city of Vienna and developed into a mighty empire. The capital became a showplace during the tumultuous reign of the Habsburg dynasty, whose court was a dazzling spectacle. The Ottoman Turkish invasions of Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries were stopped twice at Vienna. In 1815, Vienna was the site of the Congress of Vienna which redrew national boundaries in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. During the Cold War, Vienna was a hotbed of international espionage owning to its location in neutral Austria, between the Western and Eastern blocs.

Modern Vienna is a true cosmopolitan center, where different tribes and nationalities have for centuries fused their cultural identities to produce the intriguing and often cynical Viennese. Today, travelers flock to Vienna for its churches, palaces, museums, music, cafes, waltzes, parks, pastries, and wine. Vienna is the seat of a Roman Catholic archdiocese, and about half of Vienna's population is Roman Catholic. According to the 2001 census, the 49% of Viennese are Roman Catholic, 25.5% are not religious, 8% are Muslims, 6% are Orthodox Christian and 5% are Protestant.

Vienna Maps
Our own interactive satellite map of Vienna, plus more of the best online Vienna maps.

Vienna Photos
Photo gallery of Vienna's churches and other sights.

Vienna Fast Facts
Quick guide to basic information on Vienna: demographics, area code and more.

Vienna Timeline
Vienna's illustrious history at a glance.

Vienna Tours & Excursions
Sightseeing tours in Vienna and day trips to nearby sights.

Vienna Transportation
How to get to and around Vienna.

Vienna Hotel Reviews
Unbiased reviews, ratings and price comparisons on hotels in Vienna.

Vienna Travel Forum
Travel advice and insider tips on Vienna from fellow travelers.

When to Go to Vienna
Recommendations for planning your visit to Vienna.

	Augustinerkirche (Augustinian Church) Originally built in the 14th century as the parish church of the imperial court with a harmonious Gothic interior added in the 18th century. Several royal weddings took place here and Hapsburg hearts are preserved in urns.
	Judenplatz This was the heart of the Jewish ghetto from the 13th to the 15th centuries. It is now home to several important Jewish sights, including a Holocaust memorial, a new Jewish museum, and synagogue excavations.
	Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) One of Vienna's greatest buildings, commissioned by the emperor in 1715 in thanks for an answered prayer. The splendid Baroque edifice was intended to glorify the Habsburg Empire.
	Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church) The Peterskirche is the second-oldest church in Vienna and the city's finest example of Baroque church architecture. The site has been a place of worship since as ealry as the 4th century.
	Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral) Vienna's cathedral has survived many wars and is now a symbol of the city's freedom. The Gothic cathedral was first built in 1147 and its most recognizable characteristic, the diamond-patterned tile roof, was added in 1952.