Cosmos Global: Cultural Treasures - Austria

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: CDG-DVD-148

UPC: 883629282220

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Vienna was once Austria's seat of empire, located in what is the very heart of Europe. The monumental Stephansdom is Vienna's most prominent landmark. The cathedral's three-sectioned hall, with its late Romanesque western side, was built at the beginning of the 14th century, and its façade was only widened later when its steep roof was also rebuilt.

The Wiener Hofburg is a large complex of buildings that contain various architectural styles dating from between the 13th and 19th centuries. It was the Viennese residence and legislative centre of the Habsburg Dynasty, the emperors of the "Holy Roman Empire" of the German nation.

Amid the vast terraces of the Wachau vineyards is the village of Weissenkirchen, in which several inns provide their customers with an ideal opportunity to sample the wines of this region. Grape growing has a long tradition in this section of the Danube; indeed, the area between Krems and Melk is one of the oldest cultivated landscapes in Austria.

The Semmering Railway is a remarkable alpine railroad that has been operating for 150 years. The starting point of a fascinating journey is the town of Gloggnitz, which has around 7,000 inhabitants. The railway line to the Semmering Pass contains 16 viaducts, more than 100 bridges and 15 tunnels!

Salzburg is rightfully proud of its most famous citizen, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as both his birthplace and residence are situated in the middle of the old town. Medieval Salzburg became the "German Rome," an Early Baroque city whose architecture was influenced by Italian design, a city of art, faith and flamboyant culture.

Due to the exquisite taste of the royal archbishops of that glorious time, today Salzburg is one of the most beautiful Baroque cities in what is one of the finest countries in Europe.