Vienna, Austria — History and Culture
Vienna's role as the seat of the Hapsburg Empire for over six centuries (1278-1918) is written large in its wealth of imposing architecture and in the city's abundant artistic and musical heritage. Many of the world's greatest composers lived and performed behind Vienna's magnificent baroque facades. Following the demolition of the city walls in 1857, the Ringstrasse was laid out and some of Vienna's most beautiful buildings were built along it. Among the most important are the Staatsoper (State Opera House), Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum), Parlament (Parliament), Rathaus (City Hall) and Burgtheater (Palace Theater).
