A Day at the Belvedere

The Belvedere in the 3rd district was one of the many palaces I did not have an opportunity to visit last summer, so I decided to spend some time this afternoon checking it out. As I entered the complex I have to admit that I was not too impressed at first. The first picture is what I later found out is the Lower Belvedere (the middle section of it at least), and actually started out as a garden villa for Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 18th century.

As you walk behind the Lower Belvedere you can see the Upper Belvedere which is the real point of interest, at least to me. The Austrian Gallery Museum is located inside the Belvedere, but I did not go in today. I think I am going to wait until the weather is nicer so that I can come back when the gardens are in season and the pools and fountains are full and running.

The picture on the right is a view of the Lower Belvedere across the gardens from the Upper Belvedere. In the distance you can make out Stephansdom's steeple. The last picture is the other side of the Belvedere Upper.

I was happy to find out today from a friend of mine that one of our favorite restaurants has a location near my apartment. Last summer I was introduced to Centimeter, a restaurant where you pretty much can get a lot of good food for not a lot of money. They have several foods that they sell by the centimeter, such as their breads with various toppings, or you can get a 2 meter sausage, or better yet you can even get a wheel barrow full of food! I usually eat the Schnitzel, and they give you about 1.5 portions, but I also love their breads. It goes without saying that this meal should be accompanied by a beer or two!