Today Vienna is the capital of a small central European country, yet it still retains much of the grandeur it enjoyed when it was the hub of a multinational empire ruled by the Habsburg dynasty. This great family, originally from a minor noble house in northern Switzerland, came to dominate half of Europe through marriage, political skill and pertinacity. Vienna still reflects much of their influence and power. Apart from the famous late-Gothic cathedral, still at the centre of Old Vienna, the city’s architectural importance dates from the eighteenth century onwards, and is particularly seen in the grandiose structures created after the defeat of Turks in 1683. In the nineteenth century the famous ‘Ring’ which encircles the old town was created. During this time period some of the world’s famous musical names such as Schubert and Strauss were also to be found in the city. In the early twentieth century Vienna became one of the major centres of new artistic movements, in particular the Secession, equated with Art Nouveau elsewhere. One of its foremost exponents, Gustav Klimt, created his masterpieces here. Not only were the Habsburg emperors at the centre of European affairs for many centuries, they were also great artistic patrons. Today the Kunsthistorisches Museum on the Ring houses some of the most famous and best-loved paintings in the world.

Comments