Austria Travel: Historic Sights
World Heritage UNESCO Important Cultural Sites in Eastern Europe
Jul 15, 2007
Travelers to Austria experience spectacular scenery , enjoy the beautirul cities, experience culture and see some of the greatest historic sites in the world.
Austria has a long history as a beautiful, cultured region in the Danube Valley and Alpine valleys in the eastern Alps. The Romans arrived in the region in 200 BC and dominated the entire area by 15 BC. Austria has a fascinating history, which travelers can explore as they experience some of the greatest sights in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage List note nine historically significant properties in Austria.
The World Heritage List by the United Nations includes the following sites:
- Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg: Salzburg was selected as an outstanding example of a European ecclesiastical city-state. The historic urban landscape has developed from the Middle ages to the 19th century. the city is known for it's flamboyant Gothic art and Baroque appearance. Salzburg is the meeting place of southern and northern Europe. The genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was sparked in the rich urban fabric of Salzburg.
- Palace and Gardens of Schonbrunn, Vienna: Schonbrunn was the residence of the Habsburg emperors from the 18th century. The site was selected for it's value as an outstanding example of a Baroque princely residence. The Palace and Gardens illustrate the tastes, interest and aspirations of generations of Habsburg monarchs.
- Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, States of Upper Austria, Styria and Salzburg: Alpine landscape was selected as a great landscape with natural beauty and scientific interest. for it's salt deposits.
- Semmering Railway, Between Gloggnitz, State of lower Austria and Simmering, State of Stria: The Semmering Railway was built over 41 km of high mountains between the years 1848 and 1854. The railway is considered one of the greatest feats of civil engineering in early railway history. Semmering Railway runs through spectacular mountain landscapes.
- City of Graz - Historic Centre, State of Styria: Graz is a central European urban complex which had been under Habsburg rule for many centuries. The old city had a blend of architectural styles that live in harmony. Graz was selected for artistic and architectural movements from the Germanic region, the Balkans and the Mediterraneans. Graz served as crossroads of these regions for centuries. The great artists and architects of these different regions contributed to the harmonious blend of styles.
- Wachau Cultural Landscape, Town of Krems and Melk in Lower Austria: The Wachau is a stretch of landscape along a stretch of the Danube Valley between Melk and Krems. The Wachau was selected as an outstanding example of river landscape, which is bordered by mountain. There is material evidence of long historical evolution. The Wachau has architecture including monasteries, castles, ruins, towns, villages and agricultural areas
- Ferto / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape, State of Burgenland, County of Gyor-Moson-Sopron: The Ferto/Neusiedler Lake region has been the meting place for various cultures for with millennia. The area has remarkable rural architecture, villages surrounding the lake and 18th and19th century palaces. The region was selected for it's importance as a meeting place for different cultures.
- Historic Centre of Vienna: Vienna's origins date back to early Celtic and Roman settlements. Vienna developed into a Medieval an Baroque city. The beautiful city was the leading European music centerer from the age of Viennese Classicism though the beginning of the 20th century. Vienna has a historic centre with great architecture, baroque castles and gardens. The late 19th century Ringstrasse is lined with stately buildings, monuments nd parks. Vienna was selected for it's urban and architectural qualities.
European nations are rich in historic sights. Here are additional articles about Romania, Poland, and, Hungary.
The copyright of the article Austria Travel: Historic Sights in Austria Travel is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish Austria Travel: Historic Sights in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
