Habsburg, Habsburg, everywhere a Habsburg

What do you get when you cross 7 centuries of a ruling noble family and a very large army made up of most of Europe with fervent Catholics that think there shouldn‘t be any other religions.……yes, you guessed it - The Habsburgs (referred to in history as the Austrian-Hungarian Empire).  Given that much of their empire was on our Central European itinerary, we thought it was important to know more about them. 

Both of us had been introduced to the Hapsburgs earlier in our lives (in world history class?), but were astonished to learn the exact extent of their empire.  We had no idea that they ruled many different regions of Europe for a very long time - 1200’s to 1918.  It came to an end for them when they lost WWI, which by the way, they helped start.  It was astounding to us when we realized that at various times they ruled over Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal and France.  We found it interesting that they stayed in power, for 700 years, with a marriage strategy when most other monarchies failed with a warring strategy.  Each new Hapsburg ruler had huge families, and they would marry off the kiddies to their powerful friends and feared enemies, thereby bringing in new lands, peoples, and of course….more taxes.  What to do with all these new found riches?  Commission ornate Catholic cathedrals and grand palaces and castles of course.  And, erect monuments commemorating yourself, build statues of yourself, and acquire bejeweled treasures.  Vienna, for example, is so architecturally beautiful because of this family.  They ruled from Vienna and wanted their surroundings to be stunning.  It was and remains a sight to behold. 
(The Hapsburgs weren't considered the most handsome family.  Note the distinct under bite on this Hapsburg.)
It was fascinating to us to discover that the Habsburgs were not only the Kings and Queens of a large part of Europe, but they also carried the title of Holy Roman Emperor.  They actually revitalized the label Holy Roman Empire to keep the spirit of Catholicism alive and well.  They considered themselves the living representatives of Christ on earth.  In other words…..the Pope reported to them.  Nice work if you can get it.  Some of the more famous names that were part of the Habsburgs included Napoleon, Maria Teresa, Franz Joseph II (started World War I), and Marie Antoinette (beheaded in France - “Let them eat cake”).


When they lost World War I, everything was taken away from them, and all their lands were divided up into free and autonomous countries for the first time in history. We weren’t surprised to learn that there are lots of Hapsburgs around today - 700 of them are living normal lives, in exile.  After being exposed to more Hapsburg info then expected during the course of travels, it was a perfect full circle to have a Hapsburg discussion with a couple of small town Austrians.  We were fortunate to be introduced to the owners of a small, family owned and run winery.  We sat with the mother and son for several hours, tasting wine and talking about anything and everything Austrian.   We were surprised that they felt that some of the Hapsburg’s properties should be returned to them and it was unfair that everything was taken away.  How interesting, we thought, given that these properties were created off the backs of the people they ruled (conquered).

The Austrian people are proud of the Hapsburg legacy and for tourists, like us, it's a great way to experience history - through beautiful architecture, art and wine!  

We all end up the same....some of us just happen to have prettier boxes.  This huge over-the-top fancy box is the double casket for Hapsburg Empress Maria Teresa and her husband Francois de Lorraine.