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History & Evolution
Most of the city was destroyed in the invasions that brought an end to the western Roman Empire in the 5th century. The Romans were swept away in the turmoil of the 5th-century invasions , but enough of Vindobona remained to serve as the nucleus of the medieval city. However , a small town survived. The city's name was recorded in documents dating from 881 as Wenia and from 1030 as Wienis. In about 1150 the dukes of Babenberg , a Frankish ruling family , made Vienna their capital. The dukes of Babenberg , a Frankish dynasty , were overlords of Vienna from 1156 to 1246 . As the Hapsburg capital the city grew in importance .

As the city and its population continued to grow in the 19th century efforts were made to modernize the city. Vienna's economy grew rapidly , and with it the city's population.The city improved the drinking-water supply and introduced trams and railways. The drinking-water supply was improved with springwater; the Danube was regulated; and , later , gas and electric works were built. After World War II Vienna was occupied by the four Allied powers: Great Britain , France , the United States , and the Soviet Union and the city was divided into four zones of occupation by the Allied powers. The city was freed in 1955. In the 1970s Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky inaugurated the creation of the Vienna International Centre, a new area of the city created to host international institutions. Vienna has regained a part of its former international relevance by hosting such international organizations as the United Nations (UNIDO, UNOV, CTBTO and UNODC), the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Site-Seeing
Anchor Clock (Ankeruhr):
The Anchor Clock was built between 1911 and 1917 after the plans of the painter Franz von Matsch. It is situated on the oldest square of Vienna 'Hoher Market' and represents a typical Art Nouveau design. The clock forms a bridge between two parts of the Anker Insurance Company's building. The clock itself is adorned with mosaic ornaments. In the course of 12 hours, twelve historical figures or pairs of figures move across the bridge among them Joseph Haydn, medieval lyricist Walther von der Vogelweide, Empress Maria Theresa and Prince Eugen of Savoya. Every day at noon, all figures parade accompanied by music from the various eras. This tourist spectacle is a special kind of Viennese High Noon.

Location: Hoher Market

Belvedere Palace:
The two magnificient palaces on the Belvedere grounds lie in the middle of a splendid park. They were constructed for Prince Eugene of Savoy by J.L. von Hildebrandt, a famous Baroque architect. At this time the Belvedere Palaces were still located outside Vienna's defences, but today they are a part of Vienna`s third district which is not far away from the very centre of Vienna. The Palaces' architecture and interior design are typical for Rococo style.

Location: Belvedere grounds

Danube Tower - Donauturm:
If you want to enjoy a magnificent view over Vienna this is the right place to go. The Viennese affectionately call the tower "Concrete needle". It is 352 meters high and was built within 20 months. While enjoying the terrific view visitors can take place in the cafe or restaurant, where traditional Viennese specialties as well as modern delicious meals are served. The cafe rotates slowly. Stay a bit longer, so you can get a panorama view. The more daring of you can enjoy a spectacular view while plunging into the sky of one of Vienna’s highest buildings: Since 2000 the Danube tower features the highest bungee center of the world

Hass House:
Modern Haas House was one of the most disputed building projects of the late 20th century in Vienna. Viennese architect Hans Hollein set about to introduce a concrete and glass structure opposite St. Stephen's cathedral, a plan that did not go well with the Viennese population. The round curve of its facade quotes the ancient Roman citadell Vindobona, whose former layout is traceable throughout Vienna's first district. Medieval houses were built on top of Roman ruins, modern houses were built on top of medieval ruins. Haas House uses this principle to blend into its surrounding despite its contrasting architectural style.