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| Things To Know The Land The Habsburg Legacy Crossroads of Europe Proud Traditions Environmental Issues Sauerkraut and Strudel Summer and Winter The Last of the Knights |
The Habsburg Legacy
Throughout six centuries of Habsburg rule, Austria dominated the politics of much of Europe. The Habsburg Empire spread from
Spain to Hungary, with sons and daughters of the ruling families marrying into other European ruling houses and thus furthering
its influence. Vienna, with its grandiose architecture, splendidly illustrates Austrian prestige, and the entire country is
rich in buildings from the days of the empire.
The Viennese Court sent administrators and army officials into the provinces; they brought along Viennese customs, attitudes
and manners, as did the nobility who spent time both in the capital and on their country estates. The high-handed approach
of these outsiders throughout the provinces has left a legacy of mistrust of the Viennese still discernible today. Historically,
too, because of the terrain, the different areas of Austria were immensely varied, each valley having its own dialect, dress,
habits and way of life.
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