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WHAT'S NEW
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Slideshow: 10 must-see sights in Vienna
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Austria's capital city boasts beautiful architecture, a rich history and so much more. There's no shortage of pleasures to behold in Austria's capital city so feast your eyes on these Viennese beauties.
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By Jennifer Melo
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Vienna is a historically rich city. Stand on the corner of a busy street and you'll find a bevy of old buildings around you, each calling out stories of its past.
If you don't understand the jibber jabber of historic buildings but want to know their stories, hire a local guide to translate. Diane Naar, one such guide, led me through the streets of Vienna, telling fascinating stories of arranged marriages, inbreeding, pregnancies, disease and death -- and that's just good gossip on the Habsburg family. Austria's famous royal family ruled from 1282 to the end of the monarchy in 1918.
Meet the Habsburgs
The Habsburgs are behind some of the most spectacular architecture in Vienna. From their winter palace (Hofburg Imperial Palace) in the heart of Vienna to their summer palace (Schoenbrunn), a 30-minute drive southwest from their winter home, this is one royal family that knew how to live in luxury.
While walking the streets of Vienna, you'll notice that modern architecture contrasts with historic properties but even in the most contemporary areas, it's difficult to forget that royalty once lived here. Their palaces are just about everywhere, towering over the hustle and bustle of city life.
Over the years, the imperial palaces have transformed into public-access buildings such as a library, a treasury and several museums. With the evolution of these properties, historic preservation has ensured that the buildings were carefully restored and protected.
Today, you can walk through these gorgeous properties and see the royal family's personal belongings; you can easily imagine what life was like for the kings, queens, princes and princesses who once roamed these massive grounds. If they could see their beloved Vienna today, wouldn't they be perplexed to find an influx of urban dwellers making their way about the city with cell phones pressed to their ears? Times have certainly changed but you can catch a glimpse of the past with a visit to Vienna.
If you're planning to make your way to Austria, don't miss these 10 must-see sights in Vienna.
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