The Danube’s metropolis of Vienna was the imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire and imperial residence of the Emperor of Austria for more than six centuries. An empire was once controlled from the Hofburg, Viennese residence of the Habsburg Dynasty.

Within the grounds of Castle Bastion, a castle garden was created exclusively for members of the Imperial Household with a Palm House that is one of the most beautiful orangeries in Europe. Great Austrian composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was commemorated with a monument from the imperial household.

Walking around it soon becomes clear that the city close to the Imperial Hofburg was surrounded by the palaces of the nobility, and later, by wealthy traders and entrepreneurs. No expense was spared, with fountains in inner courtyards and elegant passages that were once entrances for horse-drawn carriages that have now been transformed into exquisite shopping arcades.

Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most cherished buildings in Austria and also one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. It was the Habsburgs who were responsible for the expansion of the cathedral.

Rudolf The Founder redeemed St. Stephen’s from the dependency of the Bishops Of Passau. Around the cathedral its lower external walls are decorated with ornate pulpits and reliefs with figures of saints and Late Gothic passions.

Gone now is all the Habsburgian power of empire, but its splendour has been preserved for posterity.