Sport in the park

An archduke and a countess play tennis

From the mid-19th century, public parks and gardens become enormously important as places of tranquillity and relaxation as well as for leisure activities. Nobles and the wealthy middle classes come together to take an undisturbed stroll, to amuse themselves and, of course, to be seen. But they also did sports.

If you keep your eyes peeled on the themed walk, you can discover an imperial heir playing tennis for example. Archduke Franz-Ferdinand, heir to Emperor Franz Joseph, indulges in the game with his future wife Sophie Countess Chotek. Both were murdered in Sarajevo in 1914.

The lawn, ball game station, markings and net make the experience especially tangible for visitors.

Image: Lawn tennis, Photograph from 1900 © Public domain