At the centre of Europe, Austria has had a lasting influence on its history. As a border margraviate, (arch)duchy, residence of church princes, kings and emperors of the German Empire and of Austria, it has always been a political and cultural centre in the grand scheme of things. From time immemorial, trade routes followed the oldest paths, streams and passes from north to south and from east to west. 

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But the changeable events also show unity through openness, harmony through diversity, down-to-earthness and multi-ethnicity. Most of the time, historical observation leads to the town and settlement, to the seat and farm, to the family and ultimately to the individual. Their history(s) explain the way to the here and now in the context of their time. What we see and understand of them and their time ultimately leads to ourselves. 

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Soon, exciting Austriaca will expand the programme and our view.