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Jan 25 18 tweets 6 min read Read on X
Vienna was once the center of the world, a city where emperors ruled, artists thrived, and ideas that shaped the world were born.

Today, we explore its iconic places that have left an impeccable mark on its history. 🧵 Palace of Justice (Justizpalast) is the seat of the Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) of Austria.  Credit: Christian Escobar on pinterest pin/3659243440187729/
1. Vienna State Opera (1869)

Its opening night featured a performance of Don Giovanni by Mozart, marking the opera house as a global cultural institution from day one. Credit: @ArchitectureTud
2. Schönbrunn Palace (1743)

Napoleon used the palace as his headquarters during the occupation of Vienna in 1805 and 1809, solidifying its place in European history. Photo by Nguyễn Khánh on pinterest pin/802414858637859092/
3: St. Stephen's Cathedral (1137)

In 1945, the cathedral’s roof was severely damaged by fire during World War II, but it was meticulously restored. Image
4. Belvedere Palace (1723)

The palace hosted the signing of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955, marking Austria’s regained independence after World War II.
5. The Hofburg (1279)

It served as the imperial residence of the powerful Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years. Image
6. Kunsthistorisches Museum (1891)

The museum was inaugurated by Emperor Franz Joseph I and has since housed one of the most extensive art collections in the world. Credit: Elena Sanchez on pinterest pin/441915782204949240/
7. Karlskirche (1737)

Built to celebrate the end of the plague epidemic, it remains a powerful symbol of faith and resilience in Vienna’s history. Credit: ♡Mari♡ on pinterest pin/4714774603535171/
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8. Justizpalast (1881)

The palace gained historical significance during the 1927 July Revolt when it was set on fire by protestors, marking a pivotal moment in Austria’s political history. Image
9. Albertina Museum (1744)

During World War II, the museum safeguarded priceless artworks by wrapping them in protective materials and storing them underground.
10. Hundertwasserhaus (1985)

The unique architectural design by Friedensreich Hundertwasser challenged traditional city planning, making it a landmark of modern creativity. Image
11. Volksgarten (1823)

It was created over the ruins of city fortifications destroyed by Napoleon, transforming destruction into beauty and public leisure. Photo on pinterest pin/996210380059950286/
12. Graben and Kohlmarkt (14th century)

These streets were historically part of Vienna’s medieval fortifications and later transformed into the city’s most luxurious shopping districts. Credit: Scootertourvienna on pinterest  pin/14355292555549835/
13. Café Central (1876)

A legendary meeting spot for intellectuals, it was frequented by figures like Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky, making it a hub of revolutionary ideas and literary discussions. Image
14. MuseumQuartier (1713, modernized 2001)

Once imperial stables, the space was transformed into a contemporary cultural hub, blending history with modern art and entertainment. Image
15. Vienna City Hall (1883)

The Rathaus became a focal point of political and social change, hosting major events such as the proclamation of the First Austrian Republic in 1918. Photo by roliathBrickworx on flickr
How many of these stunning locations have you visited?

Any that should be added to this list?

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More from @CultureExploreX

Apr 28
Most people think Rococo is just "pretty wallpaper." It’s not.

It’s what happens when a world knows it's dying—and decides to throw one last, desperate party instead.

Once you see these places, you’ll never forget them. 🧵👇 The Wieskirche — also known as the Pilgrimage Church of Wies — is located in Bavaria, Germany, near the town of Steingaden in the foothills of the Alps.
In the early 1700s, Europe was wrecked.

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Faith in kings and priests collapsed.

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Let’s begin: 👇The Wiblingen Abbey Library in Ulm, Germany, is a stunning example of Rococo architecture and design. Its interior is a feast for the eyes, with pastel-colored stucco work, gilded decorations, and frescoes that symbolize the pursuit of knowledge and divine wisdom. The library’s ornate columns, intricate sculptures, and celestial ceiling paintings create an atmosphere of grandeur and inspiration, making it a masterpiece of Rococo art.  Photo by Thirdeyetraveller on pinterest /pin/628674429265621652/
Start at Nymphenburg Palace in Germany.

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They turned it into a battlefield.

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Before soldiers marched its valleys and borders tore its soul, Kashmir was a place where poets wept at the beauty of a single sunrise.

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Snow peaks that scrape the sky.
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Everyone told us: “Beauty is outdated. Skill is irrelevant. Tradition is dead.”

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1. Hossein Behzadi

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Most people think they’re just decorative guards in funny uniforms.

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Let me show you what 99% of people miss about the Swiss Guard.
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Their colors are loud. Their movements are silent.

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They died at the altar—buying the Pope just enough time to escape. Sack of Rome, by Francisco Javier Amérigo, 1884. Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer
Read 11 tweets
Apr 25
Most people think they’re just decorative guards in funny uniforms.

But the truth?

They’re trained killers who’d take a bullet for the Pope—without blinking.

Let me show you what 99% of people miss about the Swiss Guard.
🧵👇 The Swiss Guard ...Guardsmen guarding the Vatican.
Their colors are loud. Their movements are silent.

When Pope Francis died, they didn’t flinch.

But once you understand who they really are, you’ll never see a Vatican photo the same way again.

Here’s the full story…
They were founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II.

He needed men who wouldn’t run when the swords came out.

So he summoned 150 Swiss mercenaries.

Only 42 survived the Sack of Rome in 1527.

They died at the altar—buying the Pope just enough time to escape. Sack of Rome, by Francisco Javier Amérigo, 1884. Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer
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