Year 1833. In March, Eugene Onegin was published. In August, the city of Chicago was founded. In October, Alfred Nobel was born, and not far from his birthplace in Copenhagen, the fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen was very excited about his upcoming trip to Italy. He loved this country and was happy to show the sights of Rome to his friends. But winters in Rome are damp and cold. The chilly weather and the city's unpreparedness for the cold took Andersen by surprise. He fell ill with a fever even before his friends could arrive. The hotel owner where Hans Christian stayed thought it wise to bleed him, and the writer's condition noticeably improved. He decided to return to Copenhagen by a long detour: either he wanted to extend his journey, or he was looking for a reason not to return home so soon.
From Naples, Andersen traveled by steamship to Sicily, from there to Greece, and then overland to Serbia and through Vienna, Prague, and Dresden back to Copenhagen. In Vienna, he stayed in this house. More precisely, the actual house did not survive. Andersen's Viennese sojourn, of a sensitive man who always felt uncomfortable in his homeland, lasted from June to July 1834. Upon his return, he wrote the book "The Poet's Bazaar," which was harshly criticized by reviewers. However, the Danish King Christian VIII admired the work of the great fairy tale writer and even awarded him a royal bow from the box of the Copenhagen opera theater.
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.
