Beautiful Maria-Theresien-Platz, Vienna, Austria. Editorial Photo

The monument to the Empress, Queen and Archduchess Maria-Theresia von Habsburg-Lothringen is situated in a beautiful area in between the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History. It is the most important monument to the the Habsburg monarchy in the city. It was built over a 13 year period by Kaspar von Zumbusch, and revealed in the presence of the Empress Elisabeth, ‘Sissi’, in 1888. This monument is about 19 meters high and shows Maria-Theresia herself, whose figure is about 6 meters high. Surrounded her are some of the Empress’ companions, such as commanders, consultants and artists, who symbolize the pillars of her reign. Maria-Theresia was, and still is, an important personality for Austria, as she introduced many important reforms like compulsory schooling.