Discover the elegant and easily navigated Vienna, Austria's capital. Learn about Bosnia's transformation into a travel destination after its infamous war. Explore the fascinating ancient structures atop Athens' Acropolis.
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Quick takeaways
Vienna offers a glimpse into its rich history and sophisticated beauty with its elegant palaces and multicultural past.
The Acropolis in Athens provides a glimpse into the glorious past of the city and the birthplace of Western civilization.
Deep dives
Vienna: A Magnificent Capital Shaped by the Habsburgs
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its elegant palaces, cultural events, art galleries, and live music. The Habsburg family played a significant role in shaping the city, ruling from Vienna for over 640 years. Today, Vienna showcases the wealth and grandeur of the Habsburgs through its palaces, including the sprawling Hofburg Palace. The city also reflects its multicultural past, with influences from important painters, musicians, writers, and scientists. Vienna is known for its food, which reflects a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Overall, Vienna offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history and sophisticated beauty.
The Acropolis: A Journey into Ancient Greek Glory
The Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is a testament to the ancient Greeks' magnificent architectural achievements. The Acropolis, which overlooks the city, features iconic landmarks like the Parthenon and the Propylaia gate. Dating back 2,500 years, the Acropolis served as the heart of ancient Athens and the birthplace of Western civilization. Visitors can explore the ruins, admire the architectural tricks of ancient Greeks, and experience the awe-inspiring views of the city and the sea. The Acropolis was a sacred site, and people would embark on a procession to worship the goddess Athena and make offerings to her. The Acropolis continues to impress with its grandeur, providing a glimpse into the glorious past of Athens.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: A Vibrant Destination with Rich History
Bosnia-Herzegovina, with its diverse society and multicultural heritage, offers visitors a unique destination. The country boasts a rich history that includes periods of harmony and recent scars from the Bosnian War. Despite its complex political structure, tourism is flourishing in Bosnia-Herzegovina, attracting visitors to its historic attractions, such as the ancient city of Mostar and the tunnel of hope in Sarajevo. The country's multicultural past is celebrated through its religious sites, including mosques, Orthodox churches, and synagogues. The Bosnian people are known for their warmth and hospitality, making it a captivating destination for those interested in experiencing a unique blend of cultures and history.
The Controversy of the Elgin Marbles and the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, houses a collection of ancient Greek artifacts, including the iconic Elgin Marbles. These marbles have been a source of controversy, as many of them were taken from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin and are currently displayed in the British Museum. Greece has been advocating for their return, arguing that they are an integral part of their cultural heritage. Recently, there have been small steps towards resolution, with Palermo in Sicily and the Vatican returning certain pieces of the marbles to Greece. This has renewed hope for the return of the marbles and sparked discussions about the repatriation of cultural treasures to their countries of origin.
Get tips for enjoying elegant, easily navigated Vienna, Austria's capital and the epicenter of a once-mighty empire. Then hear a Bosnian describe what his country, a generation after its infamous war, has to teach us about getting along with our neighbors — and why the nation is now blossoming as a travel destination. And get acquainted with the fascinating ancient structures atop Athens' Acropolis.
For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.
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