Maria Theresa Monument

The Maria Theresa Monument on the square of the same name, between the Kunsthistorisches and Naturhistorisches Museums, commemorates the only female Habsburg ruler (1717-1780). Emperor Franz Joseph I commissioned Kaspar Zumbusch; the monument was raised 1874-1888. It is Austria's largest personal monument: Maria Theresa is enthroned on a base some 20 metres high, surrounded by equestrian statues of her leading generals (Laudon, Daun, Khevenhueller, Traun) and standing figures of major scientists and composers of her age, among them Mozart, Haydn and Gluck. The programme aimed to enshrine her as enlightened reformer and patron of the arts. A central landmark and meeting point of the square. Freely accessible.