| For admirers of Ludwig van Beethoven, there are numerous sites to visit in Vienna. Of all the composers cherished and honored in Vienna, Beethoven is the most visibly represented in the city. Taking journeys through Vienna, one may be amazed at the many plaques found on old buildings claiming Beethoven lived or spent time there. In fact, there is evidence that Beethoven was quite the nomad, living in over 60 different places in the 35 years he spent in Vienna. While some of his residences are private homes or businesses today, there are several museums and memorials that are open to the public. For example, in the center of the city, there is the Pasqualati House on Mölkerbastei 8, where Beethoven composed “Für Elise.” Or one could venture a little bit further out to the 19th District, where one can visit the Heiligenstadt Testament House and the Eroica House, both named after the pieces he wrote while living there. While in the area, one can stop by the famous “Beethoven Heuriger” for a glass or two of wine, knowing that this was the house where Beethoven wrote his perhaps mode widely known piece, his 9th Symphony “Choral,” or as it is most commonly known, the “Ode to Joy.” Beethoven died in Vienna in 1827 and his grave can be found at Centralfriedhof (Central Cemetery), along with those of many famous Austrian artists. |
