VIENNA-DAY 4 Part 3

This trip took place June 2026.

Welcome to Part 3 of Day 4.

I have covered a lot of ground today and of course, here is another majestic Kirche or church as it is translated.

DominikanerKirche The Dominican Church, also known as the Church of St. Maria Rotunda, is an early Baroque parish church and minor basilica in the historic center of Vienna, Austria. It is the third church built on the same site in the course of time.

The first church on this site was built in 1237 by the newly arrived Dominicans on a parcel of land allotted in 1225-1226 by the duke Leopold VI. The church was enlarged between 1240–1270 and a new choir was added in 1273. A series of fires caused the construction of a new Gothic church between 1283 and 1302. The nave was extended between 1458 and 1474. This church consisted of a nave with five cross vaults, and two aisles.

Located two doors down from Greichensbiesl is this lovely little gem.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is a Greek Orthodox Church Cathedral in the first district of Vienna, Austria, in the historic Greek neighborhood of Vienna’s Innere Stadt. The neighborhood has also been known as the “Fleischmarkt”.

Since there is a n”no pictures policy” inside, I was really limited on what I could take but if you like these kinds of holy places, I highly recommend taking some to visit. The cost is free unless you want a guide tour. Those you can book online.

Griechenbeisl (‘Greek bistro’ or ‘Greek bar’; cf. Viennese German Beisl ‘bar’ or ‘pub’) is one of the oldest restaurants in Vienna, Austria. Established in 1447 and having operated under several different names, the restaurant is located at Fleischmarkt 11 in the Innere Stadt district, beside the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

The restaurant derives its name from the Levantine merchants, who lived in the vicinity of the building, and the intensive trade relations between Vienna and the Orient since the time of the Babenberger period.

The first documentary mention of the Griechenbeisl dates back to 1447. Around 1500, the building later to become part of (and named for) the Greek quarter was called “Zum gelben Adler” (“At (the sign of) the Yellow Eagle”). In later records the building is referred to as a “guest house” – this name being associated with a tower forming part of the former town fortifications of circa 1200 and possibly incorporated later into a Late Gothic residential building in the 14th century. Nearer the present the Griechenbeisl remained in business under the name “Zum Goldenen Engel” (at the (sign of the) Golden Angel) (1762) or “Reichenberger Beisl”. When Greek and Levantine merchants arrived around the middle of the seventeenth century, the area into which they moved became known as the Greek quarter. It was thus that the guest house acquired its present epithet “Greek”. The food that it served, however was always of the traditional Viennese kind.

Historically important is the year 1852 when the host Leopold Schmied decided to bring the completely new “Pilsner Urquell” from Pilsen in Bohemia to Vienna for the first time.

If you are wondering what we ordered, Leis had the sea bass filet on risotto. I ordered Roast pork – from the Austrian Rye pork with Sauerkraut and dumpling slices. Both were really good. I think the best part was the company in a retro setting with quotes painted on the walls along with lots of vintage steins.

The last picture above is the memorial plaque where the drunken bagpiper fell in the “plague pit.”

The Legend of Marx Augustin: Marx Augustin, often known as “Der liebe Augustin”, was a famous folk singer and bagpiper in 17th-century Vienna. During the devastating bubonic plague of 1679, he was known for bringing musical joy to tavern patrons.

The Plague Pit Incident: One night, after drinking heavily at the Griechenbeisl, Augustin collapsed on the street. Thinking he was dead from the plague, the body-collection crew tossed him into an open mass grave. The next morning, when they returned to bury more bodies, Augustin woke up completely sober. He asked to be lifted out and was entirely unharmed.

We decided to pass on dessert and walk some of our meal off as I had found a super cute and what looked delicious place to enjoy some fresh gelato place while heading back to the hotel earlier.

I had found Dolce Pensiero earlier this afternoon but wanted to wait to Leis and I could experience this together. We got there maybe 10-20 minutes before closing and ordered out gelatos which by the way were fantastic as you might be able to tell from my big grin… You know you want some too.

Anyway, the sun was going down, it had started to drizzle and the temps were dropping so we moved inside.

I had told the gal that I had been there earlier that day but didn’t want to enjoy anything until I could bring my wife back as if you haven’t figured this out by now, gelato and ice cream are her favorite food group.

So we had been siting inside at our little bistro sized table when she walks over and lays this bag on our table. I don’ remember her exact words in broken English but with a big smile she said ” a little gift for you” … Gosh what a nice little treat to get some end of the day pasteries. Here’s a little summary about them and a link to se their website.

Dolce Pensiero is a cozy Italian bakery and café in Vienna’s First District. It blends Italian pastry arts with French baking. The café opens early at 7:00 AM on weekdays. You can order espresso, flaky croissants, and freshly baked sandwiches. You can reserve a table online to skip the wait.

Well that wraps DAY 4 which for me was really full and soul filling. I hope you enjoyed by my photos.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for our DAY 5 post here coming in a day or two.