AN EXQUISITE EVENING IN VIENNA
During my 3 day visit to Vienna, the capital of Austria, I had the opportunity to attend a magnificent cultural event, an evening in opulent surroundings at the luxurious Liechtenstein Garden Palace.
I was excited to experience a delightful classical concert in a city with a musical legacy of famous composers, such as Mozart, who have lived and worked in Vienna. I couldn’t visit Vienna without a music extravaganza on the itinerary.
The Concert
The concert consisted of the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a 10 piece musical ensemble of the Vienna Imperial Orchestra and accompanied by opera singers and ballet dancers. The musical pieces chosen are some of the most popular waltzes, operettas, arias and duets.
I was fortunate to be seated front and centre for the breathtaking and enchanting experience, which lasted 90 minutes. The musicians were extraordinary, and the vocalists, enthralling.
It was a private concert shared only with fellow Scenic river cruisers, as part of our European cruise package. Having arrived in Vienna via ship on the Danube River, we were then driven by bus to the venue.
Prior to the concert we enjoyed a glass of fine Austrian Sekt upon arrival, and browsed the artwork on the ground floor.
Attending the classical concert in Vienna’s Liechtenstein Garden Palace was a highlight of my visit, a concert I’ll always remember.
The Hercules Hall
The concert took place in Vienna’s largest Baroque hall, a grand, ornately decorated room, where nobles and royals have come to for centuries, called the Hercules Hall. A stunning ceiling fresco named ‘Taking Hercules into Olympus’ by Italian artist, A. Pozzo, painted early 1700’s, is the crowning glory. A popular artistic style was used to create this masterpiece called trompe l’œil, which gives the illusion of an open sky (my photos below don’t do it justice).
The stunning architecture of the room incorporates master art pieces, which are embedded within the wall panelling. Marble columns, grand decor and fireplaces surrounded us whilst enjoying the classical music concert.
Sala Terrena
The Sala Terrena on the ground floor of the palace is like the interior of an Italian palazzo, with amazing art pieces embedded in the ceiling stucco work.
On display as the centrepiece is a beautiful Golden Carriage, built 1738, one of the finest 18th century Parisian coaches you will see, and one of the few which survived the French Revolution. It is owned by Prince of Liechtenstein.
Primarily used for ceremonies, processions and weddings, the Rococo design carriage features ornate gold, crystal and velvet embellishments.
About Liechtenstein Garden Palace
Located in the 9th District of Vienna, the Garden Palace dates from around 1700, and was a museum from 1957 until 2011 and housed a vast collection of privately owned art belonging to the royal family.
The premises still showcases some of the original pieces, including paintings, sculptures, porcelain, tapestries, and furniture.
One special item is most noteworthy, the Badminton Cabinet of 1732, said to be the most valuable piece of furniture in the world. Also on display is the Historical Library with neo-classical furnishings and books from centuries past.
The grand garden spans 5 hectares, and is partly open to the public.
Two Palaces
There is another palace, called Liechtenstein City Palace, which is situated nearby, in the 1st District.
Both palaces are private residences, belonging to the princely family of Liechtenstein, which is a tiny independent country in central Europe.
The palaces were both built around the same time, 300 years ago, and have on display European art collections from 5 centuries, belonging to the family. Furthermore, the palaces are used for hosting functions and events, and for organised tours, where you can get an insight into aristocratic life.
However, neither of the palaces in Vienna is the family’s main residence. Their main home is Vaduz Castle in Liechtenstein.
Handy Links
- Website of Palais Liechtenstein
- Garden Palace art exhibits
- Vienna City Card for public transport
- Flexi Sightseeing Pass for access to sites
- Take a carriage ride
More of Austria
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