culture tour of europe -- from hohenzollerns to...

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Culture Tour of Europe -- from Hohenzollerns to Habsburg




Whenever I stand on the European continent, I feel as if I could still hear the hustle and

bustle of two ancient dynasties - Hohenzollerns to Habsburg.

The Hohenzollern, a family of European rulers, originated as a family of counts in Swabia

(German: Schwaben) in the 11th or 12th century. The Hohenzollerns ruled Prussia

(Preußen) and eventually united and ruled Germany until the end of World War I. Their

strong, rigidly disciplined armies gave Prussia a reputation for military excellence. The

Habsburg, a royal family of Europe, is one of the oldest and most prominent dynasties

from the 15th to the 20th century. They both contributed greatly to what the Europe is like

today.

Now Please kindly allow me to lead you through the journey accross the once-glorious

and still splendid culture heritage of Europe.

First Stop: Dresden

Leaving from the hinterland of Hohenzollerns Family, which is now addressed as

Berlin-the capital of Germany, our first stop will be the historically and culturally renowned

city - Dresden.

（Palaces of Dresden old town by the Elbe River）

Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony in Germany. It is situated in a valley

on the River Elbe, near the Czech border. Since the German reunification in 1990,

Dresden has regained importance as one of the cultural, educational, political and

economic centres of Germany.

Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of

Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendour. The city

was known as the Jewel Box, because of its baroque and rococo city centre. „Florence of

the north‟, the Saxon capital was called in the 18th century, when it was a centre of artistic

activity presided over by the cosmopolitan Augustus the Strong (August der Starke) and

his son Augustus III. Their vision produced many of Dresden‟s iconic buildings, including

the Zwinger, the Frauenkirche and the Hofkirche.




There are few city silhouettes more striking than Dresden‟s. The classic view from the

Elbe‟s northern bank takes in a playful phalanx of delicate spires, soaring towers and

dominant domes belonging to palaces, churches and stately buildings. Numerous artists,

most notably the Italian Canaletto, have set up their easels to capture this breathtaking

panorama.

Although the city celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2006, it is also forward-looking and

solidly rooted in the here and now. There‟s some great new architecture, a constantly

evolving arts and cultural scene, and zinging pub and nightlife quarters.

（Night view of palaces of Dresden old town from Elbe River）

Second Stop: Prague

Then through the Saxony Plain we travel, all the way south to a land of Bohemian passion.

There, allow yourself to be caught up in a visual and cultural feast of the legendary city -

Prague - the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic.




（View of the Prague Castle across the Vltava River）

Prague has been a political, cultural, and economic centre of central Europe with waxing

and waning fortunes during its 1,100 year existence. Founded during the Gothic and

flourishing by the Renaissance eras, Prague was the seat of two Holy Roman Emperors

and thus then also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. It was an important city to the

Habsburg Monarchy and its Austro-Hungarian Empire and after World War I became the

capital of Czechoslovakia. The city played major roles in the Protestant Reformation, the

Thirty Years' War, and in modern history generally as the principal conurbation in Bohemia

and Moravia whose second city is Brno.

（Overlook of the city from Prague Castle）

Prague is home to a number of famous cultural attractions, many of which survived the

violence and destruction of twentieth century Europe. Main attractions include the

following: Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, the




Lennon Wall, and Petřín hill. Since 1992, the extensive historic centre of Prague has been

included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

（Night view of Prague）

Prague boasts more than ten major museums, along with countless theatres, galleries,

cinemas, and other historical exhibits. A modern public transportation system connects

the city. Also, Prague is home to a wide range of public and private schools, including the

famous Charles University. Prague is classified as a Beta+ global city according to GaWC

studies, comparable to Berlin, Rome, or Houston. Its rich history makes it a popular tourist

destination, and the city receives more than 4.1 million international visitors annually, as of

2009. In 2011 Prague was the sixth most visited city in Europe.

Third Stop: Vienna

Leaving the dream city Prague for the further south, you will be welcomed by the city of

music - Vienna.

.

（UNESCO World Heritage: Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn）




Few cities in the world glide so effortlessly between the present and the past like Vienna.

Its splendid historical face is easily recognised: grand imperial palaces and bombastic

baroque interiors, museums flanking magnificent squares and, above all, the Hofburg -

where the Habsburg rulers lived, loved and married into empires.

Vienna is located in northeastern Austria, at the easternmost extension of the Alps in the

Vienna Basin. The earliest settlement, at the location of today's inner city, was south of the

meandering Danube while the city now spans both sides of the river. That's why Vienna is

also called "the Goddess of the blue Danube".

The City's roots lie in early Celtic and Roman settlements that transformed into a Medieval

and Baroque city, the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is well known for playing

an essential role as a leading European Music Centre, from the great age of Viennese

Classicism through the early part of the 20th century. A variety of architectural styles can

be found in Vienna, such as the Romanesque Ruprechtskirche and the Baroque

Karlskirche. Styles range from classicist buildings to modern architecture. Art Nouveau left

many architectural traces in Vienna. The Secession, Karlsplatz Stadtbahn Station, and the

Kirche am Steinhof by Otto Wagner rank among the best known examples of Art Nouveau

in the world. The Historic centre of Vienna is rich in architectural ensembles, including

Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late-19th-century Ringstrasse lined with

grand buildings, monuments and parks. In 2001, the city centre was designated a

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

（Vienna Musikverein, the golden hall）




This is the heaven of music. Many notable musicians were born in Vienna, including:

Johann Strauss I, Johann Strauss II, Falco, Franz Schubert, Gerhard Potuznik, Louie

Austen, Arnold Schönberg, and Fritz Kreisler. Notable Musicians who came here to work

from other parts of Austria and Germany were Johann Joseph Fux, Wolfgang Amadeus

Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler and Joseph Haydn. All

of them immortalised Vienna's urban textures in music.

Art and culture have a long tradition in Vienna, including theatre, opera, classical music

and fine arts. The Burgtheater is considered one of the best theatres in the

German-speaking world alongside its branch, the Akademietheater. The Volkstheater

Wien and the Theater in der Josefstadt also enjoy good reputations. There is also a

multitude of smaller theatres, in many cases devoted to less mainstream forms of the

performing arts, such as modern, experimental plays or cabaret. Vienna is also home to a

number of opera houses, including the Theater an der Wien, the Staatsoper and the

Volksoper, the latter being devoted to the typical Viennese operetta. Classical concerts

are performed at well known venues such as the Wiener Musikverein, home of the Vienna

Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Wiener Konzerthaus. Many concert venues offer

concerts aimed at tourists, featuring popular highlights of Viennese music (particularly the

works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss).

（Left: Statue of Johann Strauss II; Right: Statue of Franz Schubert, in Vienna city park）

Don‟t you just relish the idea of waltzing to the symphony of the blue Danube, while

reliving the good old days of Habsburg in his magnificent palace?

Fourth Stop: the Neuschwanstein Castle

After our journey to the music pantheon, we are heading west to once again enter the

used-to be territory of Hohenzollerns. Here you will encounter a fairytale in real life – the

Neuschwanstein Castle.




（Overlook of the Neuschwanstein Castle）

The Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany and one of the

most popular tourist destination in Europe. The castle is one of the most photographed

buildings in the world, even if photography is not permitted inside of the castle.

The castle is located in Bavaria, near the town of Fussen. It was built by King Ludwig II of

Bavaria, also known as the “Fairytale King”. King Ludwig was a great admirer and

supporter of Richard Wagner, the world - renowned composer. Neuschwanstein Castle

was built in his honor and many rooms in the castle's interior were inspired by Wagner's

characters. The third floor particularly reflects Ludwig's admiration of Wagner's operas.

The Singers Hall, which occupies the entire fourth floor of Neuschwanstein also contains

characters from Wagner's operas. Neuschwanstein literally means “New Swan Castle”

referencing of “the Swan Knight” one of the Wagner‟s characters.




（Facade of the Neuschwanstein Castle）

The Neuschwanstein Castle really looks like a fairytale castle. Neuschwanstein is a castle

of the paradox. It was built in the 19th century in Bavaria, in a time when castles no longer

had strategical and defensive purposes. While Neuschwanstein's look is that of a

medieval castle, it was equiped inside with state of the art technology at that time. For

example on every floor of the castle there were toilets with automatic flushing system, as

well as an air heating system for the whole castle. Water was supplied by a nearby spring

situated at only 200 meters above the castle.

Neuschwanstein's positioning is also a fairytale one. It is located in the Alps in Bavaria,

Germany, in a magnificent landscape, on the top of a hill. Neuschwanstein overlooks the

Hohenschwangau valley. If you come to visit this castle, you will be amazed by the

extremely beautiful landscape that surrounds it. Also, Neuschwanstein lies very close to

the town of Fussen, which is also a popular tourist destination in Germany.




（Overlook of Neuschwanstein castle from the west side）

The construction of the Neuschwanstein castle began in 1869, and originally it was

projected to last three year. But Ludwig II wanted the castle to be perfect, so the immense

building was not finished even at Ludwig's death in 1886.

（King Ludwig II of Bavaria）

Neuschwanstein Castle has a very beautiful inner garden surrounded by a walled

courtyard. It even has an artificial cave. Neuschwanstein's interior is as beautiful as its

outside. Though only 14 rooms were finished before Ludiwg II's sudden death in 1886,

these rooms were majestically decorated. The two story throne room was designed in




Byzantine style, with wall paintings depicting angels. Ironically, there is no throne in the

Throne Room, as Ludwig died before it was completely finished.

（Neuschwanstein Castle in winter）

This fairytale look of the Neuschwanstein castle inspired Walt Disney to create the Magic

Kingdom. Today, Neuschwanstein is the most visited castle in Germany, and one of the

most popular tourist destination in the world. Every year over 1.300.000 people crosses its

gate.

Neuschwanstein Castle is definitely one of the most charming castles, and in here, one

cannot help wishing all the best to this Fairytale King in heaven.

Fifth Stop: Stuttgart

Leaving the Land of fairytalefor the north, about 2 or 3 hours later, we will arrive at the

important metropolitan of Germany – Stuttgart.




（VfB Stuttgart main football stadium）

Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany. The

sixth-largest city in Germany, Stuttgart has a population of 600,038 (December 2008)

while the metropolitan area has a population of 5.3 million (2008).

The city lies at the centre of a densely populated area, surrounded by a ring of smaller

towns. This area called Stuttgart Region has a population of 2.7 million. Stuttgart's urban

area has a population of roughly 1.8 million, making it Germany's seventh largest. With

over 5 million inhabitants, the greater Stuttgart Metropolitan Region is the fourth-biggest in

Germany after the Rhine-Ruhr area, Berlin/Brandenburg and Frankfurt/Rhine-Main.

Stuttgart's coat of arms shows a black horse on its hind legs on a yellow background. It

was first used in its current format in 1938; prior to this various designs and colours had

been used, often with two horses. The canting seal pictured here reflects the origin of the

name 'Stuttgart'. The name in Old High German was 'stuotengarten', with 'stuoten'

meaning mare, later cognate with the Old English term 'stod' (Modern English: 'stud',

relating to the breeding of horses). The Old High German term 'garten' referred to the

compound on the site of the original settlement. (compare English "garden") The logo of

the Porsche automobile company features a modified version of Stuttgart's coat of arms at

its centre.

(Logo of Stuttgart city)

Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to Karl Benz's creation of the first petrol-powered car,

the Benz Patent Motorwagen, patented in January 1886 and Gottlieb Daimler and

engineer Wilhelm Maybach's conversion of a stagecoach by the addition of a petrol

engine later that year. The Mercedes automobile was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler

Motoren Gesellschaft. The first Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were produced in




1926, following the merger of Karl Benz's and Gottlieb Daimler's companies into the

Daimler-Benz company. Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety

innovations that later became common in other vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is one of the

most well-known and established automotive brands in the world, and is also the world's

oldest automotive brand still in existence today. For information relating to the famous

three-pointed star, see under the title Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft including the merger

into Daimler-Benz.

（Facade of Mercedes-Benz Headquarter in Stuttgart）

（Logo of Mercedes-Benz）




Apart from Mercedes-Benz, there‟s another equally competitive automobile giant

centering in Stuttgart, which is Porsche.

（Porsche headquarter in Stuttgart ）

Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or

European Public Company, is a German holding company with investments in the

automotive industry. Porsche SE is headquartered in Zuffenhausen, a city district of

Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg and is owned by the Piëch and Porsche families, and Qatar

Holdings, through the Qatar Investment Authority (10%). It owns 50.7% of Volkswagen AG

and 50.1% of Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH, which owns 100% of Dr. Ing. h.c. F.

Porsche AG, the manufacturer of a range of sports cars and SUVs. The company was

founded as Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, an Austrian

engineer born in Maffersdorf, during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and

Porsche's son-in-law Anton Piëch, an Austrian lawyer.

（Porsche 911Silver




it is stated like this in its latest advertisement: “In a fill unnecessary and superficial time, in

a fill frivolous and rough age, only Porsche 911 is the genuine essential item and can't be

replaced !

Sixth Stop: Frankfurt

Our tour will end at the financial and business center of Germany – Frankfurt.

(Overlook of Frankfurt city)

Frankfurt am Main, commonly known simply as Frankfurt, is the largest city in the German

state of Hesse and the fifth-largest city in Germany, with a 2011 population of 695,624.

The urban area had an estimated population of 2,300,000 in 2010. The city is at the centre

of the larger Frankfurt Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region which has a population of

5,600,000 and is Germany's second-largest metropolitan region.




(The logo of European Central Bank on its headquarter building)

Frankfurt is the financial and transportation centre of Germany and the largest financial

centre in continental Europe. It is seat of the European Central Bank, the German Federal

Bank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Trade Fair, as well as several large

commercial banks, e.g. Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank and DZ Bank. Frankfurt Airport is

one of the world's busiest international airports, Frankfurt Central Station is one of the

largest terminal stations in Europe, and the Frankfurter Kreuz is one of the most heavily

used Autobahn interchanges in Europe. Frankfurt lies in the former American Occupation

Zone of Germany, and it was formerly the headquarters city of the U.S. Army in Germany.

(Headquarter of Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt)

Frankfurt is considered an alpha world city as listed by the Loughborough University

group's 2010 inventory, was ranked 20th among global cities by Foreign Policy's 2010

Global Cities Index and was ranked 6th among global cities for economic and social

innovation by the 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index in 2010. In 2011, the




human-resource-consulting firm Mercer ranked Frankfurt as seventh in its annual "Quality

of Living" survey of cities around the world.

(night view of Frankfurt city center)

Frankfurt is an international centre for commerce, finance, culture, transport, education,

and tourism. According to The Economist cost of living survey, Frankfurt is Germany‟s

most expensive city, and the 10th most expensive in the world.

Farewell words:

Standing at the Frankfurt airport, I am sure your heart will be filled with reluctance to say

good bye to the history-enriched European continent.

Although our “Culture Tour of Europe -- from Hohenzollerns to Habsburg” has to come to

en end, you will have the cherished memory with you and are always welcomed to once

again step on this land of history and future.

culture tour of europe -- from hohenzollerns to...

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