Maria Theresa Monument – see one of the city’s finest sculptures on the Vienna Bus Tour
Maria Theresa kept herself busy. Not only did she rule the empire between 1740 and 1780, she also had a few children – 16, to be precise. Anyone who can do that deserves a monument, and Maria Theresa has a magnificent one to do her proud. Sitting right in the middle of the square that bears her name, the monument is epic in scale. And Big Bus Tours stops right by it.
The Empress is depicted holding a scroll with the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713, an edict issued by her father that allowed women to reign. Around her sit some of her advisors, including 4 of her generals. They’re the ones on horseback. The fountains in the square are worth a look and certainly a selfie or two as well.
The reforming Empress
During her rule, Maria Theresa reformed the Empire’s education system. She also helped to fund the interests of her husband, a keen amateur scientist. Together, they built up a vast collection of artefacts that formed the foundations of the Natural History Museum.
Wide open space
The Maria Theresa Monument sits in the large Maria Theresa Square, where the Natural History Museum and the Arts Museum face each other. This large open space is where many Viennese come to stroll and socialise. If you’re here in the winter be sure to enjoy the traditional Christmas market.
Other interesting facts about the Maria Theresa Monument
- The monument is over 19 metres (62.3 feet) high
- Maria Theresa herself is 6 metres (19.6 feet) high
- The monument took 13 years to build
- Maria Theresa was a great, reforming ruler and she paved the way for the Habsburg Empire to flourish
