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The Ringstraße circles the very heart of Vienna. Built on the location of the original city walls, its size is a good indication of how much the city has expanded since medieval times, but more importantly it is the most posh area of downtown. Elegant individuals stroll down the street (there really is no other way to move when walking along the Ring) and play the fashion-do/fashion don’t game under their breath before pausing at one of the innumerable cafes lining the way. A traditional Jause (morning coffee break, around 10:00) and then back to the business at hand, seeing and being seen: Vienna’s favorite pastime.
The Ringstrasse or Ringstraße is a 5.3 km circular grand boulevard that serves as a ring road around the historic city centre, the Innere Stadt, of Vienna, Austria. The road is built where the city walls once stood. The Ring, as it is colloquially known, was built, along with grand buildings on either side of the road, in the second half of the 19th century. The road runs clockwise, from the Urania to the Schottenring, and is divided into nine parts.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Yet another patchwork of architectural styles, but predominantly Gothic. None of the original construction remains, the oldest extant sections are the thirteenth century Giant Gate (Riesentor) and Towers of the Heathens (Heidentürme), both of which are Romanesque. In 1511, building in Gothic style ceased due to being out of fashion. The main altar has a Baroque panel showing St. Stephen, Christianity's first martyr. The organised tour is worth it, since some of the finest works of art in the cathedral can only be seen with a guide, such as Emperor Frederick III's red marble sepulcher and the immense Gothic carved Altar of Wiener Neustadt. Those interested in attending Mass may come Saturdays at 7PM for an English service.
Imperial Crypt
Underneath the Kapuzinerkirche, this mausoleum houses the tombs of generations of Habsburg royalty.
Jesuit Church
Has one of the most elaborate Baroque interiors in Europe.
St. Rupert's Church
Believed to be the oldest church in Vienna, although excavations around the foundations of two other churches (Stephansdom and Peterskirche) have challenged this view. Earliest mention of the church in historical records is in 1200; the current structure dates from the Romanesque period, while the interior was renovated during the Baroque era.
St. Peter's Church
The church is believed to date back to the Middle Ages, and excavations suggest that the foundation may be far older than previously believed. The current structure was built during the Baroque period, and restored from 1998-2004 to return the paintings to their original colouring and brightness. There are regular organ concerts at 15:00 (free).
This gothic church was used by sailors on the Danube river. Its name refers to the former location near the river. Communion celebrations are held in German, French, and Czech.