Wander around Vienna and you come across numerous references to Habsburg this and Habsburg that. Monarchs, rulers, Archdukes, and empires. It’s easy to lose track. So here’s a quick and simple guide for visitors.
- Book a guided tour* in the Habsburg capital
- See also:
Vienna and the Habsburgs
(The Michaelerplatz end of the Habsburg Hofburg complex in the centre of Vienna)
All those names can get a little confusing.
For example, was there ever such a thing as a Habsburg Empire? What was the Austrian Empire? Is Austria-Hungary the same thing? Who were the Spanish Habsburgs? And who or what is, actually, an Archduke or Archduchess?
Most importantly, did court painters exaggerate the size of Emperor Franz Joseph’s moustache?
(Spoiler: no, they didn’t).
So let me offer you some quick explanations to guide you through the complexities of Habsburg history and terminology.
(The Habsburg summer palace at Schönbrunn)
For centuries, Vienna effectively stood at the administrative centre of an ever-changing collection of lands ruled by the Habsburg family dynasty. Emperors and Empresses made their home in the city and constructed many of the historical sights you visit as a tourist.
At times, these Habsburg lands stretched all the way from today’s Italy to Poland and as far east as Romania. (Not to mention periods of Habsburg power and influence in such places as Mexico and the Netherlands.)
Today, of course, Vienna is “only” the capital of Austria: a democratic country that covers an area smaller than most US states. It has no monarchy.
The short articles listed below provide a little background on the rise and fall of the Habsburgs to help you make more of your visit to Vienna.
In particular, the articles explain the confusing Habsburg-related terms bandied around in guidebooks and at tourist sites.
(The monument to Emperor Franz II/I in an inner courtyard of the Hofburg complex, a man of such substance that he got two Roman numerals after his name)
I recommend reading these in order:
- The Habsburg Monarchy: where did the Habsburgs rule and why is Vienna so important?
- The Holy Roman Empire: discover why this particular empire is critical for understanding Habsburg history
- The Austrian Empire: how and why the many Habsburg lands became an empire in their own right in 1804
- Austria-Hungary: how and why the Austrian Empire morphed into Austria-Hungary in 1867
- Austria: it may sound a strange question, but what does the word “Austria” actually refer to? It’s not always as simple as it seems
- Other Habsburg terms: so far so good, but where do the Spanish Habsburgs come into this? What about the Hapsburgs (with a P)? These and other side questions answered
- Empresses and Archdukes: what do these Habsburg titles mean and who got them? And discover why lucky Emperor Franz II/I had those two numerals after his name
- k. u. k. and k. k.: finally, you find these abbreviations everywhere (even today) in connection with the Habsburg court, but what do they actually stand for?
I also have a couple of articles explaining the importance of notable Habsburg personalities to today’s Vienna and visitors. For example:
- Empress Elisabeth: discover what makes “Sisi” such a fascinating personality and where to learn more when in the city
- Emperor Franz Joseph: see how the last “great” Habsburg emperor left his mark on the cityscape
P.S. If you’re in Vienna, then your two key Habsburg locations are the Hofburg and Schönbrunn palace.