| Maria Theresa, the only female ever to rule Austria, Hungary and Bohemia, is undoubtedly one of the most popular monarchs of Europe, a legend already in her lifetime. A popular image of her is that of a strong-willed monarch who with maternal common sense ruled her subjects and her dominions like a large family. Is she being idealized? Can her reforms stand up to critical assessment? <br><br>An extensive private correspondence and a plethora of personal notes shed light on her relationship with Francis Stephen of Lorrain, her husband and Holy Roman Emperor, who she lovingly addressed as “mon chèr oldie” in her letters. They also give us insight into her role as a mother who controlled her children even after they had left the court, sacrificed to her dynastic interests. This walk starts at her imposing monument on Maria-Theresien-Platz, continues past by the Hofburg, her main residence, takes in the court church St. Augustin where she married, and ends with a visit of the Kapuzinergruft, final resting place of the imperial family.
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