2_0_DiscoverGermany_April15_Issue25:Scan Magazine 1
20/3/15
18:09
Page 58
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Adventure World Austria
Celebrating 450 year of equestrian perfection This year Vienna’s Spanish Riding School celebrates its 450th anniversary with additional spellbinding performances. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL
The Spanish Riding School is the oldest riding academy in the world, and there couldn’t be a more spectacular setting for the performances than the baroque hall in the Hofburg Palace inVienna’s elegant first district. Considered the epitome of the high school of classical horsemanship, the Spanish Riding School has become a global icon of Austrian culture. When the world-famous white Lippizaner stallions enter the arena, the audience falls silent and a magical journey begins. Like prima ballerinas, the stallions of Spanish and Arab descent move effortlessly and in total harmony with their riders to the sound of classical Viennese music.
Perfectly symmetric quadrilles, immaculate pirouettes, caprioles, courbettes and levades bear witness to over a decade of disciplined training. Considered endangered animals, the graceful horses are responsibly bred in the Federal Stud of Piber. Born with a black
The Granatium right in the heart of Carinthia is an extraordinary world of discovery dedicated to the garnet gem – often dubbed the “blood drops of the Nock mountains”. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: GRANATIUM
58 | Issue 25 | April 2015
www.srs.at
Below: Photo: Stefan Seelig (left); Photos: Michael Rzepa (middle & right)
Discover the magic of garnets
The history of garnets spans thousands of years. Known as the stone of love and passion, and available in endless shades of red, the fascinating gem has always had its very special place in the town of Radenthein. Here, the Granatium offers a unique experience and not only for gem stone aficionados. The large indoor exhibition leaves no question unanswered. Visitors are most welcome to touch, see and experience the different facets of the special Nock mountain treasures. A guided tour through the Bachsteinzimmer, the original Bohemian polisher’s room, the Carinthian room or the treasure hall is just the start. A further stroll through Europe’s only public garnet mine with its fabulous glistening lake deep under the earth’s sur-
coat and turning white with age, only the finest stallions are selected to become part of the Spanish Riding School squad. Commemorating its beginning in 1565, the Spanish Riding School added special extra performances to its regular schedule this summer. From 25 to 27 June, al fresco gala performances will take place on the Heldenplatz, followed by the traditional Fête Impériale, Austria’s most distinguished summer ball social event. In addition, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation from Spanish Jerez will star as guest performers to celebrate 450 years of equestrian perfection.
face is truly magical. Real pyrite and quartz veins running along the stone walls never fail to impress visitors of all age groups (with a constant chilly 8 degrees, it is always good to bring a jacket). On the oustside, hands-on is the motto in the Granatium’s excavation grounds. Equipped with the right tools, bounty hunters can join the rush for the red gem. Professionally polished on demand, lucky finders are allowed to take their precious booty home as an unforgettable souvenir. More adventure is guaranteed in the beautiful garnet canyon, featuring a pendant bridge and a hidden GeoCache. www.granatium.at