Friday, June 8, 2007

Vienna: The Hapsburg Dynasty



According to Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, Francis I Emperor of Austria had these titles in 1804:  "Francis the First, by the grace of God Emperor of Austria; King of Jerusalem, Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia, and Lodomeria; Archduke of Austria; Duke of Lorraine, Salzburg, Würzburg, Franconia, Styria, Carinthia, and Carniola; Grand Duke of Kraków; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Margrave of Moravia; Duke of Sandomir, Masovia, Lublin, Upper and Lower Silesia, Auschwitz and Zator, Teschen, and Friule; Prince of Berchtesgaden and Mergentheim; Princely Count of Habsburg, Gorizia, and Gradisca and of the Tyrol; and Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia and Istria".  These titles are nothing compared to the prestige and influence that the Hapsburg once had in Europe.  At one point in history the Hapsburgs were undisputably the most powerful family in Europe. For example in the early 1500's Charles V was the Holy Roman Emperor, ruled the Kingdoms of Bohemia and Hungary, was known as Charles I King of Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and some of Italy. Quite frankly, the Hapsburgs were powerful. Their Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna is the only regal residence that can be legitimately compared with Louis XIV's Palace of Versailles outside of Paris. However, whereas Versailles is on everyone's tongue as an example of outrageous luxury, the Hapsburgs do not get the respect they deserve. While many have forgotten the Hapsburg's influence, they are still slowly winning followers over. Outside of their legendary equestrian training grounds, The Spanish Riding School, this footage was taken of a Robot Lawnmower which the Hapsburgs have persuaded to maintain their grounds for them. All of the visitors to the Spanish Riding School were completely smitten with the machine. The rain could not prevent them from making friends with Robot nor take photographs with it.  It can also be seen here.

-nick svilar

1 comment:

SWade said...

nick...what in the WORLD is that???