Via Imperialis – Castles, Palaces and Monasteries of Austria – is the name of a society founded on 16 July 1997 to market Austria’s cultural heritage nationally and internationally. At present fortyeight of the most beautiful and historically important castles, palaces and monasteries in Austria belong to this nation wide association. 

The society aims to promote all common interests such as advertising, public relations, as well as creating public awareness of the significance of Austria’s historical structures. Further aims include holding symposia and other events, the organisation of information and service systems in order to present the attractions and services of the individual members, as well as the publication of printed material, and audio/visual media. By uniting the most beautiful and significant castles, palaces and monasteries of Austria and joining forces to pool expertise, we are also responding to the most important needs of our guests by providing them with clearly arranged and organised information about the offers available to them. 

Therefore not only visitors from Austria but also from abroad will be able to obtain the best possible advance information before making their cultural exploration of Austria. It goes without saying that the Via Imperialis association will make use of the latest information technology. And guests who are unable to visit all of Austria’s treasures during their stay will be invited to plan a return visit. Whereas in the past the owners of these castles and palaces were active in all sorts of different spheres, both cultural and social, nowadays our guests are increasingly interested in finding out about the varied and extensive history of Austria which took place within these historic walls. 

A basic prerequisite is that the owners and administrators of these magnificent monuments make them accessible to the public. This is the only way of conveying the greatest possible insight into Austria’s cultural heritage. On the other hand, organising and presenting high-quality events is a basis for intensifying the national awareness of our cultural heritage. 

Contemporary productions presented in these unique and unusual settings guarantee audience acclaim and heighten the attractiveness of the buildings. It is our responsibility to preserve the great cultural capital left to us in the castles, palaces and monasteries of Austria not only for our own benefit but also for our children and for the future. The increasing financial difficulties of public institutions make it essential to find innovative ways of improving the economic situation for the preservation of our cultural heritage. These buildings so rich in history are worth preserving and protecting and every effort will be made to spread knowledge and awareness of our great cultural tradition far beyond our national borders. 

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