A lot of royal history

Austria's history is complicated and at times tragic, spanning the Austro-Hungarian Empire and World War II. The Austro-Hungarian Empire, once known as the "capital of Europe," ruled from 1867 until it fell following World War I. The Austrian government purchased many of the palaces, gardens, and castles that had belonged to the ruling emperors after the breakup of the Habsburg Monarchy in 1918 and transformed them into public spaces and museums that serve as fascinating remains and vestiges for tourists to explore.

Austria has had a colorful and occasionally tumultuous history. No matter what period of the country's history you're interested in learning more about, there are countless museums to visit. You only need to visit the array of palaces lining the major cities to learn more about Austria's royal heritage. One of these is the Hofburg, a vast complex that includes a museum, two palaces, and Schönbrunn Palace. Despite being one of the most well-known members of the French royalty, Marie Antoinette was really born as an Archduchess in the Hofburg in Austria.