The Votivkirche, in memory of Franz Joseph - Austria

Special feature Austria : The Votivkirche, in memory of Franz Joseph

The Votivkirche was built in 1856 at the request of the future Mexican emperor, Maximilien, as a token of his gratefulness to God after his brother (François-Joseph)'s life was spared when attacked in 1853. This vast neo-Gothic church is on Rooseveltplatz, next to the Rathaus which is also of a neo-Gothic syle, not far from the intersection of the Ring and of Universitatstrasse. Inspired by Cologne's cathedral, the Votivkirche stands tall towards the sky. The Votivkirche was built following a French cathedral plan due to its two spires and its three naves. The interior hides a beautiful altar dating back to the 15th century. This stunning edifice was reborn recently after its real colours emerged after having been cleaned. © Photo : Carlos Rodrigues

  The Burgtheater, the Vienna Royal Shakespeare Company

The Parliament, home to the National Assembly  

Contents

• 1

  The Rathaus, Vienna's neo-Gothic city hall.

  
• 2

  Stephansdom Cathedral, symbol of Vienna

  
• 3

  The museum quarter, including the Naturhistorisches Museum

  
• 4

  The legendary Imperial Hotel

  
• 5

  Otto Wagner Pavilion, Karlsplatz

  
• 6

  The Burgtheater, the Vienna Royal Shakespeare Company

  
• 7

  The Votivkirche, in memory of Franz Joseph

  
• 8

  The Parliament, home to the National Assembly

  
• 9

  The surprising Hundertwasserhaus

  
• 10

  Staatsoper, the Vienna Opera