From St Stephen's Cathedral to Vienna's Imperial Palace
This short post gives a brief description about Graben and Kohlmarkt, two streets that connect the Stephansdom (Cathedral) to the Hofburg (Imperial Palace).
Graben is the more interesting of the two, both architecturally and historically. Up until the 12th century it was just a ditch (graben) that marked the city’s western limit, but today this grand pedestrianised street has some lovely buildings of different styles harbouring a selection of fine cafes and upmarket shops.
There are also fountains dedicated to St Joseph and Leopold III, but most impressive of all is the imposing monument called the Pestsaule which was commissioned by Emperor Leopold I to commemorate the plague of 1679.
Towards the top end of the street a small side turning leads to Petersplatz and the Baroque St Peter’s Church. Some people find the Baroque style a bit too much, and I can see where they’re coming from, but one snowy day I was more than happy to come in here out of the cold and admire the craftsmanship of this ornate Catholic church.
At the top of Graben, turning left takes us into Kohlmarkt (See featured pic at top of page). This road has a totally different feel to Graben. There are still some fine buildings here, but the shops are so exclusive that they need to employ doormen to dissuade any unlikely looking customers from entering. Whether they make an exception for people like Bob Geldof, I’m not sure.
For people like me though, I was restricted to window shopping, and in most cases, there weren’t any price tags attached to the items on display. I did notice one small piece of jewellery that still had a price tag on it though, and I had to look twice. It was marked up at €90,000: What some of the other more extravagant pieces would have cost I have absolutely no idea.
Some of the establishments have K&K accredited to them which stands for ‘Kaiserelich und Koniglich’ (Imperial and Royal) in recognition to those who provided goods to the Hapsburg court, and at the top of the road is Michaelerplatz and the entrance to the Hapsburg Imperial Palace.
In the next post I’m going to describe the different parts of the Hofburg starting with what can be seen around Michaelerplatz.
POSTED – DECEMBER 2021
Originally posted 2021-12-05 16:45:38.
very pretty…. except for the pretty penny maybe these jewels cost……
I don’t know why I was surprised to see shops like this here – but I was.
I would be too. I mean it is actually hard to believe the price tag.
I’ve always wanted to go to Vienna, a desire which springs from a longstanding interest in Mozart and his crazy life. Now I can see exactly why I’d love to go there – it looks a particularly stunning place. I’d love to wander along Graben (window shopping too – I’ve heard about those prices!), which looks so inviting, especially in the winter, and St Peters looks truly awe-inspiring. Looking forward to seeing more of the city and it’s famous squares. 🙂
Thanks Alli. There’s lots more to come about Vienna, so you’ll be able to see all those squares and more 😊 As for Mozart, I think you said that you’ve been to Salzburg, so you know how big a draw he is over there. Mozart this, and Mozart that. Mozart chocolates seem to be very popular and one night at the hotel I was staying at, they thoughtfully placed one on my pillow – except that I didn’t see it and woke up in the morning with the pillow smothered in chocolate and a head that looked like a Malteser.
Yes, I have been to Salzburg (it was for my honeymoon with my first husband!) and I loved it. We went to Mozart’s birthplace, which was really fascinating, and I’ve always been intrigued by his complex character and how his eccentric personality and gift for divine composition seemed so incongruous. They called him a conduit, and I can see exactly why.
Love the story about Mozartkugeln (the chocs)! Gave me a really good giggle :-D. I love them, and used to buy them from Aldi every year after discovering them in Salzburg. Maybe one day I’ll get to go back there, but if I do, I’ll be sure to check out the pillows before I go to bed! 😀
LOL especially if there was another Willy Wonka like me sleeping in there before 🙂
😁
Wow! Not enough superlatives for the inside of St. Peter’s – stunning, amazing, ornate, all of those and more. I’d love to see it for myself 🙂
Whatever anybody thinks about Baroque architecture, it’s definitely not understated 🙂
Vienna is still on my list. I imagine it’s pretty wonderful at Christmas.
I love Austria at Christmastime and if you really would like to know what Vienna can be like, you might want to look at a short post I did.
https://www.easymalc.co.uk/christmastime-in-vienna/
Vienna’s a beautiful city, as you have illustrated so well. I’ve never seen it in snowy weather but it seems to suit it 🙂 I do like the Pestsaule but I found the netting an irritation when it came to photography!
I know what you mean Sarah.
It looks like a most beautiful place and your narrative makes it truly inviting. Interesting facts and super informative and your photography is excellent! Loved it Malc. Cheers.
Thanks F and there’s loads more to come on Vienna
Sounds splendid my friend! 😊
Lovely post
Perfect for reading in an Italian restaurant owned by the Zonin family in Virginia while listening to Christmas music before the wine luncheon commences, featuring their premier Bordeaux blend, Octagon.
Thanks Pat, and have a lovely afternoon/evening 🙂