After getting some "comfort food" at Tofu & Chili, the Missus was back in "mission mode". She really wanted to have the "Vienna Café" experience. So, we headed off to the café at the Hotel Imperial.
Man, talk about posh.
With prices to match. The Missus wanted to try the Imperial Torte, which She had read was created here for Emperor Franz Josef I when the Imperial Hotel opened in 1873.
The Missus really enjoyed the service and the atmosphere…….
Though for me….thirty bucks for coffee, tea, and dessert is a bit on the high side. Still, we were on vacation, right? And the Missus enjoyed herself.
Plus, Imperial Café has some of the most elegant bathrooms I've ever been to…..
Imperial indeed…..
Cafe Imperial
Kaerntner Ring 16
Vienna 1010, Austria
After getting our sugar and caffeine fix; we headed off to visit the last spot the Missus had on "Her list" for the day; the Belvedere Palace.
We headed down Schwarzenbergplatz; which, like the Wikipedia page says is more of a street than a square; with the regal, Equestrian Statue of Karl Philipp, the Prince of Schwarzenberg, his mighty steed with one hoof raised, ready to lead the way.
While the drizzle had stopped; it was still quite overcast and blustery at times. Still, there's something quite regal about Vienna.
Did you know that Vienna has a Soviet War Memorial? I didn't know what this was when we walked through it on the way to the Belvedere.
So, I was a bit surprised to find out it was the Heroes' Monument of the Red Army (Heldendenkmal der Roten Armee). It has been the subject of controversy and has been vandalized several times.
Belvedere Palace was built as the summer palace for Eugene of Savoy; who in spite of being rejected for military service by the French, made his way to Austria and pledged loyalty to the Habsburgs. He became one of the most successful military officers in European History and was instrumental in defeating the Ottomans. The Lower Palace was Eugene's home and the Upper Palace, which was completed in 1723 contains one of the best collections of Austrian art and there was one particular work that the Missus wanted to see.
The upper palace looks quite grand, built in the Baroque style.
The gardens aren't shabby either…..
Nor the grand décor….I'm sure Prince Eugene had some major parties here.
But the Missus was on a mission……
And when we found Gustav Klimpt's "The Kiss", it was mission accomplished.
We wandered about a bit more; then headed out and strolled the gardens……which must be quite stunning on a sunny day.
After wandering about for a while; we decided to take our leave. It was time to head back to the apartment…..you could say we were "imperialed out".
It was time for nap!
Thanks for stopping by!