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With this Vienna History Timeline, get an inside look at many major events, fun facts, and famous people of Vienna. Here you can get a brief overview of the Austrian capital as well as learn about some of the top attractions in the city.
Vienna is founded and is originally a Celtic settlement.
The city becomes a frontier guarding the Roman Empire from northern Germanic tribes.
The first building of St. Stephens Cathedral was built.
The cathedral was reconstructed and consecrated again after a damaging fire in 1258.
The Hofburg Imperial Palace was initially built as a medieval castle, and over 600 years, expanded into the palace complex.
On March 12, 1365, the University of Vienna was founded.
Vienna becomes the residence of the Habsburg Dynasty.
The Hungarian victory of the Austrian-Hungarian War.
The Ottoman Empire’s first attempt on the Siege of Vienna.
Besieged by the Ottoman Empire for two months.
Construction began on Schönbrunn Palace. Replacing previous buildings that had been destroyed on the same grounds.
Construction begins at the lower Belvedere.
Ruler Maria Theresa of the Habsburg Empire lived from 1717-1780. She was born (and died) at the Hofburg.
The incredible Austrian National Library where you can visit today was completed. (Note that the library was founded in 1368)
The impressive church was completed in 1737.
The well-known National Theatre of Vienna was founded in 1741.
The Prater grounds were donated to the Viennese as a public leisure centre from Austrian Emperor Joseph II in 1766. It has since become the popular amusement park known to visitors today.
Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen started the collection that would turn into the prominent art museum in Vienna today.
On December 5, 1791, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) passes away in Vienna, where he spent many of his successful years and will be forever remembered through museums, monuments, and concerts.
Around this time, the Classical Period or Viennese Classicism made Vienna a centre of learning and culture.
Vienna becomes capital of Austrian Empire, and later the Austrian-Hungarian Empire (as well as Budapest).
Austrian composer known as the “Father of the Symphony” Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) passes in Vienna.
The Congress of the Vienna lays the foundation of order and peace throughout Europe after the downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Born 1825 Vienna, Strauss (1825-1899) became famous for his Viennese waltzes and operettas. Fun Fact: Strauss was the son of another famous composer, Johann Strauss I.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), German composer, passes away in Vienna, where he spent most of his adult life.
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Austrian composer Franz Schubert (1797-1828) passes away in Vienna and leaves behind a vast amount of remarkable work.
The famous Viennese chocolate cake was invented.
Empress Elizabeth of Austria (1837-1898) (and Queen of Hungary), known famously as Sisi, was born and would later go down in history for her beauty, fashion-sense, and rebellious ways.
The last uprising in the Austrian Revolution.
Barriers surrounding the city were dismantled and replaced with the well-known ring road.
Austrian painter Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) was born, and would go on to become one of the most famous Austrian painters today.
In 1867, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire (Dual Monarchy) came into existence and lasted until 1918.
The Vienna State Opera House was completed and opened.
Stadtpark was completed and remains as beautiful and well-kept as ever.
The illustrious Viennese coffee house opened on the Ringstrasse.
On August 10, 1889 the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum) opened.
After 20 years to complete, the Kunsthistorisches Museum officially opens.
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), famous German composer, died in Vienna where he spent 25 years of his life.
Austro-Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) died in Vienna. He was known as one of the leading conductors of his time.
On a balcony from the Hofburg, Hitler proclaimed the joining of Austria into the German Reich. Vienna loses status as a capital to Berlin.
The Vienna International Airport was built and used as a military airport.
The Vienna Offensive was launched by the soviets to capture Vienna. As a result, led to allied-occupied Vienna. Additionally, Vienna becomes the capital of Austria.
Famous formula 1 driver Niki Lauda (1949-2019) was born in Vienna and would become a 3-time F1 world champion. He is also the only driver to have been a champion for Ferrari and McLaren
The tallest structure in Vienna, Donauturm, was built.
The hundertwasserhaus was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and is now a popular site amongst tourists.
The first Life Ball in Vienna, one of the biggest charity events for AIDS and HIV.
The commanding modern and contemporary art museum is built in the museumsquartier.
Tourism is at an all-time high with 17.6 million overnight visitors in 2019.
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