Augustinian Friars' Church: the 14th century Augustinian Friars' Church was involved in pilgrimages, jubilee processions and funeral ceremonies but is best known for the tomb of Archduchess Maria Christine. This beautifully carved tomb was made from white marble in the early 1800s by Antonio Canova and is considered a masterpiece. The Knights of the Order of George met in the 14th century Gothic George’s Chapel, while the hearts of 54 Habsburgs are contained in silver urns in the Herzgruft inside the Loreto Chapel. The addition of two magnificent pipe organs added another dimension to the church and notable figures have conducted mass here. Gasometer: originally built to sustain the city’s supply of gas, Vienna’s 100-plus year old gasometers have been converted into an urban complex featuring shops, flats and an events hall. The place is huge, housing around 70 shops, over 600 apartments and a massive hall capable of holding in excess of 4,000 people. The building is hard to miss with its four, 75-metre high gasometers and is worth a visit in its own right. Haus des Meeres: the Haus des Meeres is a zoo and aquarium complex that has been converted from a WWII air raid shelter. Inside the shelter that was built to withstand bombs, earthquakes and high winds, is a quality zoo that includes apes, reptiles, and many interesting sea creatures in the aquariums. In addition, there is also a rainforest biosphere. The palace has been extended and renovated many times over the years, having many architectural styles, and its brilliant museums hold huge collections of treasures. There is also a convention center and the Spanish Riding School on site. Prater Park: the Prater Park is one of the oldest parks in Vienna and a place where nobility would swan about in their carriages. The park is still very popular today and features one of Vienna’s most endearing landmarks, the Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel. Schatzkammer: Vienna has many fine museums and the Schatzkammer is certainly one of them. The building itself is pretty special, yet its special exhibits are held dear to Vienna and include the Royal treasury, featuring the 10th century crown of the Holy Roman Emperor and a lance. Legend has it that the lance was the one that pierced Jesus' side; although in fact carbon dating has set it at a mere 1,000 years old. Schloss Belvedere: this wonderful palace was built between 1714 and 1723 by Lukas von Hildebrandt for Prince Eugene of Savoy. The entire property features two magnificent baroque buildings that are separated by huge gardens and was once the home of Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka. The palace today is a museum where tourists can view the royal apartments, art galleries, and gardens. St Stephen's Cathedral: St Stephan's is a revelation amid its surroundings; enveloped as it is by a mixture of modern steel and glass buildings of the Stephansplatz. It is this very aspect that attracts many people with the contrast of old and new, Gothic and contemporary. The church’s best feature, however, is its near 400-foot tower that affords fantastic city viewing and the quirky roof where multicoloured tiles create pictures. The cathedral’s other draw are her catacombs that are home to skulls and bones. However, the choir was re-established in 1924 as a private institution by the last Imperial Chaplain, Monsignor Josef Schnitt, who renamed them the ‘Vienna Boys Choir’. The choir later performed outside the Imperial Chapel to earn money to pay for rising educational costs and thus the Verein Wiener Sangerknaben was born. | 
