St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Vienna is a city that seems to demand a certain quality of attention. Maybe it’s because all around you are reminders of the long history of the city and especially, enduring evidence of the spectacular wealth and power of the Austrian empire.

Here is the Kunsthistotisches Museum (“the Kunst”) which houses the Habsburgs’ collection of European masterpieces.

The lavish interior (“we have all the money in the world”) was designed to inspire awe. Worked for me. This is the entrance and the stairs leading up to the painting galleries. Zoom in.

The domed ceiling of the entry, which is open in the center to show a second dome above.

The collection is presented in a way that invites you – encourages you – to take your time. The Bruegel room was my favorite.

Have a seat.

After a hearty nut torte lunch in the cafe, we checked in on the Habsburgs’ dizzying collection of “fine art objects and exotic curios”, the Kunstkammer. Amassed over generations, it was another display of the dynasty’s wealth, but also, a representation of the finest craftsmanship, the most advanced scientific achievement, the best of everything in every area of creativity.

Over 2000 objects are on display.

Here are some ivory carvings.

Diana and Three Nymphs

Ferdinand II’s Coin Cabinet

Beechwood “prayer” carving, the size of a large walnut.

The gold ship below, a table centerpiece, is an example of an “automaton”: it was designed to move along the table, and as a finale, to fire its cannons.

The following day – our last in Vienna – we made the pilgrimage to Freud’s Vienna home and office, now a museum.

Freud and his family evacuated their home shortly after the Nazis arrived in Vienna.

The consulting room has been arranged as it was at the time, and includes a selection of items from what is described as Freud’s collection of antiques.

And so, we say goodbye to Vienna, land of bicycle paths and public water fountains, green spaces and cafes, friendly people and strudel.