In the very center of Europe is Vienna - the residence of kings, a favorite place of poets and composers, musicians and scientists. The city itself and its unique atmosphere is a cultural monument to the history of mankind. Walking along the green streets of the Austrian capital, along which the famous composers Mozart, Strauss and Schubert once walked, one has direct contact with the history of mankind. The city is widely represented monumental art, including numerous sculptures of the famous Fernkorn, Schönbrunn and Hofburg.
The Maria Theresa complex
One of Vienna’s largest squares is decorated with two magnificent Renaissance palaces, which house a museum of natural history and art. Buildings differ only in their sculptures, which correspond to the themes of museums. Between the buildings in the very center of the square stands a statue of Empress Maria Theresa.
The entire monumental bronze composition was designed by architect Karl Hazenauer, who is also the author of the entire ensemble. The sculptural composition was created by Caspar Tsimbush. The empress is seated on a throne, the pedestal of which is twenty meters high, surrounded by figures embodying her virtues - wisdom, compassion, strength and justice. Around the throne, its defenders, four equestrian figures of famous commanders, were installed. At the foot of the throne are statues of prominent statesmen and advisers. The monumental composition was built in 14 years, the work was completed in 1888.
Napoleon winner
The monument to Archduke Karl of Austria was erected in connection with the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Austrian forces at Aspern. Under his leadership, Napoleon was first defeated in 1809 and a number of victories were won over the French troops. Karl is the author of many works on military art. The difficulty of installing the monument was that it relies on only two points with a weight of 12 tons. This is a rare case when a horse is depicted in a jump. Casting of the statue lasted eight years, the blank consisted of eight fragments. After the monument was erected, it was faced with marble.
Local authorities carefully monitor the condition of the monument, regularly carry out restoration work. In the evening, the statue is illuminated and the equestrian figure acquires an even more magnificent appearance. This is a favorite vacation spot for crowns and many tourists who like to be photographed against the backdrop of the monument.
Prince on horseback
On one of the most beautiful squares in the Austrian capital with the sonorous name Heroes' Square, the most magnificent monument of Vienna is installed. Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the richest people of the Baroque era, was born in Paris in 1663. He is considered the greatest commander of his era and an outstanding theoretician of military art. A brave warrior, Hungary was liberated under his leadership, and Austrian troops routed the Turks more than once. The monument to the commander of the Holy Roman Empire is the first architectural exhibit in the Hofburg, not related to the Habsburg dynasty.
The author of the monument is the outstanding Austrian sculptor Anton Fernkorn. The master himself could not complete this monument in Vienna, the students completed the work. Fernkorn worked under the supervision of doctors; he periodically lost his mind. In order to speed up the construction of the architectural ensemble, which was periodically interrupted due to the author’s illness, Emperor Franz Joseph even allowed the use of cannon bronze from the arsenal. All work lasted five years and this monument in Vienna was opened in 1862. Many tourists consider the statue of Prince Eugene - the best equestrian monument in the Austrian capital.
Golden composer
The most original monument of Vienna, which all music lovers try to see when they come to the Austrian capital. In 1931, the grand opening of the monument to Johann Strauss took place in the city park. The great composer is depicted while playing the violin, surrounded by loyal listeners. A gold plated bronze monument to the Waltz king was mounted on a marble pedestal. Then in 1935 the cover was removed, so it stood until 1991, when the statue was sent for restoration. We spent ten years and 300 thousand euros on work, returned the gold plating, carried out repairs of the base and steps.
