The Estergazi Cellar. In this part of the old town, there are quite a few restaurants and taverns, many of which have ancient history and traditions. The cellars of Estergazi tell the story of their famous past, a time when guests had already enjoyed a few drinks. This happened in 1683 when the Turks besieged Vienna. King Leopold I and his entourage panicked and left the city, but thanks to the Polish and Lithuanian King Jan III Sobieski, Cossacks, and Hungarian warriors like the Estergazi, the course of European history was altered. Before the battle, the warriors drank quite a bit for courage. Hungarian soldiers from Estergazi took their place here. The cellars were filled with young wine, flowing like a river. Thus began the history of the Estergazi tavern. Since then, the cellars of Estergazi have housed the liveliest Viennese wine, and the court kapellmeister of Prince Estergazi, Joseph Haydn, is said to have requested wine from the Estergazi cellars during the creation of many of his works. By the way, the famous museum in Budapest is named after Estergazi.
A leisurely stroll through the historic part of the city unfolds a tapestry of enchanting landmarks. The city park, adorned with the melodies of Strauss and Schubert, leads to the venerable city gates named after Luger and Mozart. The narrative of "Ah, My Sweet Augustine" echoes through time, while the oldest church in the city stands as a testament to bygone eras. The tales of Theodor Herzl, the anchor clocks, the Jewish quarter, the square where it all began, the longest narrow alley, the Estergazi restaurant, and Andersen's house weave together seamlessly.
Wander down Graben Street, passing by the plague column and fountains, where the stories of homes, people, words, legends, and traditions blend harmoniously. Amidst it all, relish the charm of restaurants, cafes, wines, and coziness that add an extra layer of warmth to this rich tapestry of history and culture.
