06/03/2026
PT2 Time for takeoff! ✈️
🇸🇮 JUNE 10: SLOVENIA’S MARJAN KOZINA HALL
Home to the Slovenian Philharmonic, the Marjan Kozina Hall was named for the nationally renowned composer and former director of the orchestra. The orchestra’s rich roots date back to 1701 as the Academia Philharmonicorum - later the Philharmonic Society - with members including Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Paganini and Mahler conducting from 1881-1882. The building dates back to 1891, shortly before the official creation of the Slovenian Philharmonic in 1908. Having survived turbulent history during both World Wars, both the orchestra and Marjan Kozina Hall have emerged as proud symbols of Slovenian culture and pride.
🇦🇹 JUNE 11: AUSTRIA’S ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL
Also known lovingly as “Steffl”, this medieval marvel is both at the center and the heart of Vienna. Originally built in 1137 and reconstructed after much damage in WWII, the structure is famous for its gothic architecture with its roof designed from 230,000 glazed tiles forming the double-headed eagle and Vienna’s coat of arms. The tallest of the four towers is 136 meters (nearly 450 ft for us Americans) and can be climbed with 343 steps. The catacombs below house the remains of 11,000 people, including Habsburg royalty. The Cathedral was also the site of Vivaldi’s funeral and the weddings of both Haydn and Mozart.
