The architect Friedrich Schmidt cannily circumvented the imperial ordinance that the tower on the Rathaus should be no higher than the Votivkirche by placing the figure of the ‘Rathausmann’ on top of the spire as a symbol of protection for municipal freedom. Nonetheless, the figure’s apparel points back to the Habsburg past – it wears a copy of Emperor Maximilian I’s armour.
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The Habsburg dynasty: Here you can read potted biographies, examine portraits from seven centuries and dip into the historical contexts of past epochs.
Select a period in Habsburg history, from the beginnings of Habsburg rule in the Middle Ages to the collapse of the Monarchy during the First World War.
The map shows the territorial development of the Habsburg Monarchy as it evolved into a sprawling, geographically fragmented empire.
Monarchical rule was legitimized by descent. The classic form of representing these relationships is the genealogical table or family tree.
Collected themes - browse stories and anecdotes from the history of the Habsburg Monarchy.
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Choose from various themes to access and explore the history of the Habsburg Monarchy, for example 'work', 'love' or 'death'.
Journey through the different epochs of Habsburg history from the Middle Ages to the First World War.
All the members of the Habsburg dynasty. Read biographical notes and explore the historical context.
