Era of Maria Theresa: The Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn: UNESCO Culture Sector

The Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria.

With much of Europe under Habsburgs rule, the Palace is a testimony to the glory of the Habsburgs Royal Family. Their empire was one in which "the sun does not set". In the 17^th century, the palace served as the stage for many historical events.

Here in the great gallery, ladies danced gracefully across the room. The Congress of Vienna to decide the map of Europe after the Napoleonic Wars was held here among the Great Powers. "The Congress does not walk; it dances" ("le Congrés ne marche pas; il danse") is a famous phrase that describes how the congress was conducted.

Empress Maria Theresa was the only female ruler among the Habsburgs. Many ordeals awaited her, when she ascended the throne in 1740 at the age of 23. But with strong inner strength and a shrewd mind, she fought her way among her political adversaries. She had 16 children and sought to bring stability to her empire by arranging marriages with nobility from neighbouring countries.

A small room furnished with oriental items. Here, Maria Theresa held secret meetings with her advisors and made political decisions. There is a concealed door and stairs connecting to the room of her closest advisors. A reminder of the backstage of palatial politics. At the height of her reign, Maria Theresa also devoted her energy to refurbishing the palace. The exterior was coloured in yellow called ‘Maria Theresa Yellow’. And the gardens were re-landscaped. Trees were neatly lined symmetrically. Maria Theresa collected cultural artefacts from the world over. Here on the wall is a painting of wildlife in India. She decorated the palace with the beauties of the world. The Vieux-Laque Room, which is said to have belonged to her husband, Francis Stephen, became the Empress’s favourite room. The leading actors have left the stage of history. With its stage curtains now closed, the Palace stands in solemn quietness.