When you can’t leave the country because there is a world wide pandemic, it is time to explore your own city. So during the lock-down I used my day off work to explore a part of the inner city of Vienna. Actually I did that a couple of times, always meeting friends and walking around keeping the necessary distance. It was nice to get outside, exercise a bit, but also see my friends. So on a weekday in spring I met a friend in the Burggarten for a late breakfast.
This garden was formerly the Emperor’s garden, but got renamed after we ousted the royal family.
the empty Burggarten @Vienna
The garden is a keepsake though. It accommodates a wonderful butterfly and palm house. Best of all is though that it is an oasis of calm in an otherwise busy center of Vienna.
butterfly house with the National library on the left @Burggarten
The Burggarten lures locals and tourists alike, so I really enjoyed strolling though it without a crowd. On this day though renovations were underway, so we sat next to the Mozart monument. As there was no one around, we sat down for a while. Each of us had her own bench and so we could keep our distance but still chat.
the National Library with the Mozart monument on the right @Burggarten
But since the point of the whole outing was to exercise, we eventually strolled through the Hofburg to the Volksgarten. Since the Emperor had its own garden, it was only just to give the people also a garden. And we have to thank Napoleon for all of this. In the wake of his devastation of Vienna the Emperor re-designed his garden and us people got also a place.
inside the Hofburg with the monument of Emporer Francis I of Austria @Vienna
Once in the Volksgarten the sky way completely overcast and grey. So we decided against another rest and rather admired the park and its many roses. What I like most about the park is the Theseus temple right in the middle. This is a typical example of the classical style from the 19th century. It’s so weird to see it in a Viennese park, but it’s also a great fun to sit on its steps and party.
Theseus temple and the city hall in the back @Vienna
the pillars of the Theseus temple @Volksgarten
You really have to say that the Viennese are savvy. The city really knows how to make money. So in the rose garden, which is a part of the Volksgarten, you can sponsor a rose. For your support you get small plaque which you can dedicate to someone.
rose garden @Volksgarten
leave a personal message @Volksgarten
And we are not only savvy but we also follow our government’s orders to the letter. In times of a Covid-19 it is wise to wear a mask. Even great Austrian writers are wearing one. Like Franz Grillparzer.
Grillparzer with a mask @Volksgarten
In any case do take the time to not only to read the messages underneath the roses but also to smell them. It’s a heady fragrance. Yours, Pollybert
