The history of Vienna began in the 1st century AD as a Roman Empire camp known as Vindobona.
This camp was located precisely where Vienna’s historic center stands today. Some of the modern streets even trace the path of the old camp walls.
Vienna’s history from the Middle Ages
The camp was destroyed by fire in the 10th century, consuming much of the settlement’s homes.
Little information is available about the following centuries, but we know that in the 9th century, Charlemagne conquered the city.
In the mid-12th century, the Babenberg dynasty made Vienna their residence, elevating it as the capital of the Duchy. This was the moment when it truly became a capital, declared an Imperial City in 1237.
By the start of the 12th century, the city of Vienna had grown into one of the old continent’s most important cities due to its position on the Danube trade route, which connected to Venice.
The Habsburg dynasty held considerable power across Europe and had a strong influence on the city.
Exploring the city’s history from these early roots, a ‘journey through time and magical tour of Vienna’s history’ offers a captivating experience to understand how it evolved from a Roman camp to the Duchy’s capital under the Babenbergs. Link to the tour.
Modern Age
In the 14th century, many of the city’s main buildings, including the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, were remodeled in Gothic style.
The year 1556 marked a significant milestone when the Habsburgs, residing in the Hofburg Palace, declared Vienna the capital of the Holy Roman Empire.
This change had a positive impact, as the 16th and 17th centuries in Vienna’s history saw the construction of various residences outside the city, including the famous Schönbrunn Palace.
If you’re interested in historic residences, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-visit. Don’t miss a chance to tour the palace and its gardens. Here’s the link to reserve tickets for the zoo.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Vienna became a bastion of Christianity and was twice besieged by the Turks. Although the city was never conquered, these sieges weakened the Habsburgs’ forces.
As a result of the second siege, a major reconstruction took place in areas damaged by fighting, leading to new buildings, palaces, and residences, like the Belvedere Palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy, surrounded by a line of fortifications.
Napoleon enters Vienna’s history
Napoleon defeated Austria in the famous Battle of Wagram in 1809 and made Vienna his temporary residence.
To secure an alliance with Austria, he married Maria Luisa, the daughter of Emperor Francis I and Maria Theresa of Naples and Sicily.
After Napoleon’s defeat in Russia, the famous Congress of Vienna was held, ensuring that Austria would retain its territory.
Moreover, Austria gained a prominent position in European politics thanks to Chancellor Metternich’s negotiations.
In 1857, under Emperor Franz Joseph I (married to Empress Sisi), the construction of the Ringstrasse and adjacent buildings began.
This decade marked a period of special prosperity for the city, which intensified after the Austro-Prussian War ended in 1866.
Austria allied with Hungary, making Vienna the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, thus maintaining its high status in Europe.
At the end of World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved. In 1919, the Treaty of Saint Germain was signed, designating Vienna as the capital of the newly formed Republic of Austria.
The two most important cities of the former Empire, Budapest and Vienna, remain majestic testaments to their historical significance.
Vienna’s history in the Contemporary Age
In 1938, Austria was annexed by Germany under the Third Reich, reducing Vienna to a provincial capital within Ostmark.
The city endured extensive bombings, leaving many historic buildings badly damaged.
In 1945, Vienna was occupied for the following ten years by a coalition of Allied forces, including the French, British, Russian, and American armies.
This was a challenging time, as the city struggled to rebuild after the destruction of the war years.
Looking back, it can be said that Vienna and Austria achieved a successful recovery, advancing similarly to the Federal Republic of Germany without falling under communist influence.
In 1955, with the signing of the Moscow Accord, Austria regained its independence and established itself as a neutral nation.
This neutrality attracted many international organizations to set up their headquarters in Vienna, significantly boosting the local economy, particularly in the hospitality sector.
The history of Austria: joining the European Union
In 1995, Austria joined the European Union, a milestone that accelerated its progress and development as a nation.
Today, Vienna ranks among the world’s cities with the highest quality of life.
In recent years, xenophobic parties have sparked concerns, as the rise of Islamist terrorism and the 2008 economic crisis have reignited certain nationalist sentiments that some argue never entirely disappeared.
Nonetheless, Vienna looks toward the future with optimism, standing as a city filled with monuments and attractions for residents and visitors alike—a vibrant reflection of its eventful history.
We hope that this historical journey through the city of Vienna has given you a concise yet clear understanding of its past, vividly embodied in its streets and plazas.
Vienna is one of Europe’s most significant cities, rich in heritage shaped by the twists and turns of its remarkable history.