Researchers from the University of Vienna, the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and the Hungarian National Archives took part in the conference, as did representatives of the Otto von Habsburg Foundation and Rubicon, Hungary’s most renowned history magazine. The lectures were held in German and Hungarian, with simultaneous interpretation via headphones provided.
The success of the event was reflected not only in the large number of participants but also in the many questions posed by the audience to the speakers. In their presentations, the speakers deliberately highlighted new research findings.
The conference opened with Veronika Rudolf, who delivered a lecture on Agnes of Habsburg (1281–1364) entitled “Austrian Duchess, Queen of Hungary, Guardian of Dynastic Memory – Agnes of Habsburg.” At the age of fifteen, Agnes was married to King Andrew III of Hungary. As her husband died just five years later, she first returned to Austria and then to what is now Switzerland. There she founded the former Königsfelden Monastery, which is particularly renowned for its richly colored and iconographically complex stained‑glass windows.
The next presentation was given by Anna Spitzbart, who is part of an editorial project supervised by Katrin Keller on Empress Eleonora Magdalena of Palatinate‑Neuburg, the wife of Leopold I. Titled “A Forgotten Empress: Eleonora Magdalena of Palatinate‑Neuburg (1655–1720)” , the lecture demonstrated the extensive network the empress maintained across Europe through correspondence and how she exercised diplomatic influence for example on Hungarian politics.
She was followed by an art‑historical contribution by Friedrich Polleroß, who focused on visual representations of Maria Theresa (1717–1780) as King (or Queen) of Hungary. Some of the approximately 250 known paintings are displayed at Gödöllő Palace itself. Polleroß also referred to at least 100 additional works, often by unidentified artists, which require further scholarly investigation.
A further presentation on Maria Theresa followed, delivered by János Papházi, museum director and curator of the Royal Palace of Gödöllő. He examined letters written by the most famous Habsburg ruler to close confidants, revealing not only everyday concerns but especially her profound grief following the death of her husband, Francis Stephen I. From today’s perspective, one would likely diagnose a depressive illness.
Before the lunch break, Krisztina Kulcsár presented a lecture entitled “Maria Christina – An Extraordinary Life Path” (1742–1798). That Maria Theresa’s favorite daughter was allowed to marry Albert Casimir of Saxony‑Teschen, a partner of lower rank, suggests a genuine love match. Despite their childless marriage, the couple’s legacy remains significant, as Albert’s art collection formed the foundation of today’s Albertina Museum.
After lunch, participants learned about the life of Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”, 1837–1898), who had a close connection to Gödöllő Palace. In her talk “Elisabeth of Wittelsbach, Empress of Austria: On the Narrative of an Underrated Woman,” Marija Wakounug deliberately dismantled clichés and misinterpretations. The resulting portrait was that of a restless monarch constantly on the move, politically engaged when issues mattered to her such as the Austro‑Hungarian Compromise of 1867. Her intellectual curiosity, linguistic talent, and athleticism were remarkable. While the rigid constraints of the Viennese court certainly displeased her, the idea that she therefore fell out with Emperor Franz Joseph I remains a myth. Their relationship is described as affectionate up to her assassination in 1898.
Mihály Nánay introduced the lesser‑known figure of Archduchess Augusta (1875–1964), a member of the Hungarian branch of the dynasty. Known as the “guardian angel of Hungarian war relief,” she founded the country’s first adequate aid fund during the First World War.
In his lecture, Dániel Borovi highlighted the pioneering role of Archduchess Maria Theresa (1855–1944) in photography. Beyond ethnographic images for example from Transylvania she also left behind numerous private photographs of the imperial family, including images of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
This was followed by Gergely Fejérdy, whose research focused on the educational principles of Zita (1892–1989), the last empress of Austria‑Hungary. All eight of her children with Karl I / IV were subject to strict rules and an intensive curriculum, with particular emphasis on religious and political education. Her eldest son, Otto, was educated as a crown prince but later became a prominent European politician and advocate of EU enlargement.
The lecture series concluded with Bence Kocsev, who presented a short biography of Regina of Saxe‑Meiningen (1925–2010). Regina frequently represented her husband Otto at political events and was regarded not only as a key networker but also as a gifted speaker among émigré communities, including refugees from Hungary.
As part of the accompanying program, the researchers took part in a guided tour of the Royal Palace of Gödöllő following the conference. This included a visit to the temporary exhibition “Sisi the Media Star – Empress Elisabeth on Screen and Stage,” curated by Eddy Franzen.
The following day, the speakers visited the archives of the Otto von Habsburg Foundation and took a walk through the Buda Castle District, including a guided tour by a guide of the Nemzeti Hauszmann Program.
Via Habsburg extends its sincere thanks to the Royal Palace of Gödöllő for the excellent cooperation, to the speakers for their scholarly contributions, and to the audience for attending. See you again soon!