The military academy

Die Militärakademie in Wiener Neustadt
Die Burg mit dem Maria Theresien-Platz
in der Georgskathedrale liegt Kaiser Maximilian I. begraben
Hier wird exerziert und ausgemustert
Die Wappenwand in der Milak

From the castle to the world's oldest military academy

The castle was built around 50 years after the founding of the city in 1192 as a military base for the last Babenberg, Friedrich II the Militant. Over the centuries it has been expanded and used for new purposes. Emperor Frederick III. had the castle fundamentally rebuilt, which gave it its current appearance for the most part. For Emperor Friedrich III. and his son Maximilian I. Wiener Neustadt was an important residence. Emperor Maximilian I was born and baptized in the castle of Wiener Neustadt. He spent his youth in the city and kept coming back here throughout his life. According to his will, he was buried in St. George's Cathedral. His remains are under the steps of the high altar. According to legend, only his heart is in Bruges, 1,200 km away, in the sarcophagus of his first wife Mary of Burgundy.

From the imperial residence to the officers' forge

In 1751, Empress Maria Theresa made the castle what is today the oldest military academy in the world. "Make me good officers and good men out of them" was the order given to their first commander. Originally intended as a training center for 100 nobles and 100 commoners, the military academy became the training ground for the Habsburg Empire. Even today, a new generation of well-trained men and women is retired every year. If you want to know what the abbreviation AEIOU stands for, which Emperor Friedrich III. formulated, a possible explanation will be found during a guided tour in front of the famous wall of coats of arms. And realize with a smile that their interpretation inspires the imagination to this day.

St. George's Cathedral

Emperor Maximilian I was born and baptized in the castle in Wiener Neustadt. He spent his youth in the city and kept coming back here throughout his life. According to his will, he was buried in St. George's Cathedral. His remains are under the steps of the high altar. According to legend, only his heart is in Bruges, 1,200 km away, in the sarcophagus of his first wife Mary of Burgundy.

Please refer to the folder for current tours.