It was a nice day then and I went out with the kids to go ice skating. It was also a great opportunity as we were able to pass by this building for some photos.

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The Austrian Parliament building was designed by Roman and Greek historians and scholars, adorned obviously by greek artistry. There were many proposals to its design but the Imperial Commission chose Theophil von Hansen's plan.

In front of the building is one of the biggest and most famous sculpture of Pallas Athena (Greek goddess of wisdom). During the Austro-Hungarian empire, politics was in chaos that the locals would joke that the sculpture of Athena turned her back against the people inside the building out of frustration.

A significant part of the artworks in the building has been damaged during World War II and has been recently undergoing restoration.

24 June 2004

14 June 2004

28 October 2002

From the pathway leading to the hill, the Schönbrunn Palace looks like this. The grounds, gardens are usually decorated with grass, flower landscapes. The side of the pathways are decorated with bushes, roses and trees. From this view, however one only sees the pebbled pathwalk since it was October (autumn-winter). Sorry about that...I'd post a better one in summer!

This photo was taken shortly after I arrived in Vienna, that was in October of 2002. My husband brought me and my daughter here as he said this place is a must see! Besides, we can walk for only a few minutes from where we live to the Palace. (But we transferred now so I do not have new photos of the place).

Schönbrunn (beautiful well) was started out by Maximilian II as a zoo for wild animals and a garden for exotic plants. The place became a regular visiting spot for the royal Austrian Family. In 1696, a palace was built (the middle part only) and through the years constructed to how it is now.

Schönbrunn is one of the most important cultural architecture in Vienna and also a major tourist attraction that it has been renovated to suffice the needs of the touring visitors. Inside, one can tour the palace, the gardens, the orangery and the gloriette atop a hill (photos to follow). There is also a zoo, a maze and playground for the kids. The Gardens and the Zoo still reminiscent of why the Schönbrunn exists today. Restaurants and food stalls are also available.

The gardens and palace have been the location for various movies, namely A breath of Scandal with Sophia Loren, Marie Antoinette by Sophia Coppola and briefly in James Bond's The Living Daylights.

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Janet (DC Confidential), I hope this relive memories of yours. :-)