Emperor Franz I Monument
Commemorating the First Emperor of the Austrian Empire
While enjoying a pleasant visit to Hofburg's courtyards, take a look at the Emperor Franz I Monument, elegantly and expertly designed by Pompeo Marchesi in 1846.
Franz began his career with the title Holy Roman Emperor Franz II. When Napoleon defeated the Habsburgs in 1804, he forced Franz to abandon the title and Napoleon took the Imperial title for himself. Franz would become the first Emperor of Austria, and in that capacity he would receive the title Emperor Franz I.
The sculpture of Emperor Franz I consists of multiple statues, with an enormous, oversized Franz in the center. He is wearing his classic royal clothing, with a scepter in one hand and the other hand raised in the air, as if to greet someone. On the base of the statue, you'll find an inscription in Latin taken from the Emperor's will in which he proclaims his powerful love of his subjects.
