Garden bliss

Emperor Francis as gardener in Baden

Emperor Francis, who is Francis II, last Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire until 1806 and Francis I, first Emperor of Austria from 1804, is an extremely popular head of state. The people call him the “good” Emperor Francis.

This is in complete contrast to State Chancellor Prince Metternich, whose reactionary politics do not find favour with the people, particularly with the ever-stronger middle classes. Emperor Francis, hesitant and undecided, hands over control of the state to his top politician more and more and withdraws to private life. The middle classes follow suit. Accordingly, the focus of the Biedermeier period is on care and beautification of one’s private living space.

The themed walk in the Lower Cure Park has this in mind. Discover Emperor Francis the horticulturalist, a passionate gardener himself and always hands-on when it comes to his own gardens.

With sight lines one catches a glimpse of Archduke Rudolf, Cardinal and Emperor Francis I’s youngest brother, seeking inspiration in the park with Ludwig van Beethoven.

Image: The Cactus Friend, Painting by Carl Spitzweg from 1856, © Public domain