Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
about her reign: Her four top generals sit on horseback while her four top advisors stand.
Behindthem,reliefscelebrateculturalleadersofherday,includinglittleWolfieMozartwith
mentor “Papa” Joseph Haydn (with his hand on Mozart's shoulder, facing the Natural His-
toryMuseum).Themoralofthispropaganda:astrongmilitaryandawiseruleareprerequis-
ites for a thriving culture—attributes that characterized the 40-year rule of the woman who
was perhaps Austria's greatest monarch.
Standing here, it's fascinating to consider Austrian aspirations for greatness through the
ages. Had World War I not messed things up for them, the Habsburgs would have created a
vast cultural forum stretching from here across the Ringstrasse. While they never fully real-
ized their vision, the ensemble that was completed is impressive. Two awe-inspiring build-
ings, purpose-built in the 1880s, house the private art and history collections of the empire,
and celebrate its culture and power. The giant Kunsthistorisches and Natural History Mu-
seums face each other across the square with the towering monument to Maria Theresa in
the center of it all.
• Our walk is finished. You're in the heart of Viennese sightseeing. Surrounding this square
aresomeofthecity'stopmuseums.AndtheHofburgPalaceitselfcontainsmanyofVienna's
best sights and museums. From the Opera to the Hofburg, from chocolate to churches, from
St. Stephen's to Sacher-Tortes—Vienna waits for you.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search