The Kaiservilla was where in the Austrian Emperor in 1914 declared war on Serbia, thus starting World War I.
On this day, 110 years ago, the small town of Bad Ischl made its mark in history as the venue for Austria declaring war on Serbia in what eventually led to World War I (“the great seminal catastrophe of the 20th century” – George F. Kennan).
A month earlier, Emperor (or Kaiser) Franz Joseph’s nephew and heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife Sophie, were assassinated while on a state visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia.
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Bad Ischl
The Kaiservilla was where in the Austrian Emperor in 1914 declared war on Serbia, thus starting World War I.
The Kaiservilla was where in the Austrian Emperor in 1914 declared war on Serbia, thus starting World War I.
History was made at this desk in the Kaiservilla on July 28, 1914 when Emperor Franz Joseph declared war on Serbia.
History was made at this desk in the Kaiservilla on July 28, 1914 when Emperor Franz Joseph declared war on Serbia.
Bad Ischl’s Kongress and Theaterhaus is a venue for the arts surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.
Bad Ischl’s Kongress and Theaterhaus is a venue for the arts surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.
Bad Ischl is surrounded by picturesque lakes and magical towns such as Hallstatt. — Photos: DAVID BOWDEN
Bad Ischl is surrounded by picturesque lakes and magical towns such as Hallstatt. — Photos: DAVID BOWDEN
This year, Kaiservilla features exhibitions with artworks such as this one called With Wind by Ai Weiwei.
As part of the European Capital Of Culture programme, Kaiservilla features exhibitions with artworks such as ‘With Wind’ by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.
Enjoy the tantalising selection of cakes at Café Zauner.
Another one of Ai Weiwei's works titled ‘Combat Vases’, featuring replicas of German World War II helmets.
Konditorei Zauner has been catering to discerning customers since 1832.
Konditorei Zauner has been catering to discerning customers since 1832.
Enjoy the forested grounds of the Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl.
The interior of composer Franz Lehár’s villa is now a museum offering a window on the life of the well-heeled in Bad Ischl.
The interior of composer Franz Lehár’s villa is now a museum offering a window on the life of the well-heeled in Bad Ischl.
A painting of Empress Elisabeth wearing her wedding gown in 1854.
It's easy to walk around and explore Bad Ischl on your own.
Kaiservilla features artwork such as ‘Bubbles’ by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei during Bad Ischl’s European Capital of Culture
Kaiservilla features artwork such as ‘Bubbles’ by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei during Bad Ischl’s European Capital of Culture
