Demel is a renowned pastry shop and chocolaterie established in 1786 in Vienna, Austria. Its history is as rich and textured as the delectable confections it offers. Originally, it was opened by Ludwig Dehne, but later, the business was taken over by his son, August Dehne, and son-in-law, Christoph Demel. In 1857, Christoph moved the shop to the Kohlmarkt, where it still stands today, and it was under his leadership that the confectionery gained its reputation for quality and excellence. The Demel pastry shop was also a pioneer in employing women, filling all roles, including management, with female workers at a time when this was unusual. Demel held the title of Purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Court, and it became the go-to place for the aristocrats of the Habsburg Monarchy. Demel's fame reached its peak under the ownership of Baroness Bertha von Suttner, the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, who worked there for a while. The exterior of Demel exudes grandeur and elegance, in keeping with its imperial past. The facade, with its ornate detailing and classic Viennese design, transports visitors back to the 19th century. Inside, Demel is a feast for the senses. The original interiors still remain, with its antique furnishings, grand mirrors, and marble-topped tables, all contributing to an atmosphere of old-world charm. The air is filled with the heavenly scent of fresh pastries and chocolates. One of the main attractions is the glass-walled kitchen, where visitors can watch the pastry chefs at work, creating their mouth-watering masterpieces. Among Demel's specialties are the "Demel's Sachertorte," a version of the famous Viennese chocolate cake, and their signature apple strudel. Trivia enthusiasts might be interested to know that Demel was involved in the "Sacher Torte" legal battle against the Sacher Hotel over the original recipe rights. Demel's version, which won the rights, has two layers of apricot jam, while the Sacher Hotel's version has only one. Today, Demel continues to be a symbol of Viennese confectionery art, attracting both locals and tourists with its exquisite pastries and rich history. It's a place where the past and present coexist, offering a taste of Vienna's imperial past.