In the very center of Europe is Vienna - the residence of kings, a favorite place for poets and composers, musicians and scientists. The city itself and its unique atmosphere is a cultural monument of the history of mankind. Walking along the green streets of the Austrian capital, where the famous composers Mozart, Strauss and Schubert once walked, you are in direct contact with the history of mankind. Monumental art is well represented in the city, including numerous sculptures by the famous Fernkorn, Schönbrun and Hofburg.
Maria Theresa Complex
One of the largest squares in Vienna is adorned with two magnificent Renaissance palaces, which house the Museum of Natural History and Arts. The buildings differ only in the sculptures that decorate them, which correspond to the theme of the museums. A statue of Empress Maria Theresa rises between the buildings in the very center of the square.
The entire monumental bronze composition was designed by the architect Karl Hasenauer, who is alsoauthor of the entire ensemble. The sculptural composition was created by Kaspar Cimbusz. The Empress sits on a throne, the pedestal of which is raised twenty meters, surrounded by figures personifying her virtues - wisdom, compassion, strength and justice. Around the throne are its defenders, four equestrian figures of famous commanders. At the foot of the throne are statues of prominent statesmen and advisers. The monumental composition was built in 14 years, the work was completed in 1888.
Napoleon Winner
The monument to Archduke Karl of Austria was erected in connection with the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Austrian troops at Aspern. Under his leadership, the first defeat was inflicted on Napoleon in 1809 and a number of victories were won over the French troops. Karl is the author of many works on military art. The complexity of the installation of the monument was that it relies on only two points and weighs 12 tons. This is a rare case when the horse is depicted in a jump. The casting of the statue lasted eight years, the workpiece consisted of eight fragments. After the monument was erected, it was faced with marble.
Local authorities carefully monitor the state of the monument, regularly carry out restoration work. In the evening, the statue is illuminated and the equestrian figure acquires an even more majestic appearance. This is a favorite vacation spot for the Viennese and numerous tourists who like to take pictures against the backdrop of the monument.
Prince on horseback
On one of the most beautiful squaresthe Austrian capital with the sonorous name Heroes' Square, the most luxurious monument of Vienna is installed. Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the richest men of the Baroque era, was born in Paris in 1663. He is considered the greatest military leader of his era and an outstanding theoretician of military art. A brave warrior, under his leadership Hungary was liberated, and the Austrian troops defeated the Turks more than once. The monument to the commander of the Holy Roman Empire is the first architectural exhibit in the Hofburg that is not related to the Habsburg dynasty.
The author of the monument is the outstanding Austrian sculptor Anton Fernkorn. The master himself could not complete this monument in Vienna, the students completed the work. Fernkorn worked under the supervision of doctors, he periodically lost his mind. In order to speed up the construction of the architectural ensemble, which was periodically interrupted due to the author's illness, Emperor Franz Joseph even allowed the use of cannon bronze from the arsenal. All work lasted five years, and this monument in Vienna was opened in 1862. Many tourists consider the statue of Prince Eugene to be the best equestrian monument in the Austrian capital.
Golden Composer
Vienna's most original monument, which all music lovers try to see when they come to the Austrian capital. In 1931, the grand opening of the monument to Johann Strauss took place in the city park. The great composer is depicted while playing the violin surrounded by faithful listeners. A golden-plated bronze monument to the w altz king was installed on a marblepedestal. Then, in 1935, the covering was removed, so it stood until 1991, when the statue was sent for restoration. They spent ten years and 300 thousand euros on the work, returned the gold plating, repaired the base and steps.
Soviet Memorial
The memorial monument in Vienna to the soldiers of the Soviet army on the Schwarzenberg Platz square was opened on August 19, 1945. After almost a month of intense fighting in March-April 1945, the city was taken by storm. Almost 17 thousand Soviet soldiers died during the liberation of Austria from German troops. The authors of the monument in Vienna to Soviet soldiers who gave their lives in the fight against the Nazis during the Second World War are the sculptor M. A. Intezaryan and the architect S. G. Yakovlev.
The memorial consists of a 12-meter pedestal and a figure of a Soviet soldier with a machine gun on his chest. In his right hand, the warrior holds the flag of the USSR, in his left hand is a three-dimensional coat of arms of the country. The composition is completed by a semicircular colonnade, which partially covers the monument. According to the agreement between the Soviet Union and Austria, the country's government is responsible for caring for the monument in Vienna to the liberator soldier.
