Abstrakt
The chapter is a historical introduction to the monograph deals with one of the most important buildings in Central Europe - Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Already in the Middle Ages was the Habsburg residence important part of the defense system of the Austrian lands.
This military function retained even in the early modern period, mainly due to persistent threats to attack the Turks. An important milestone for the history of the Imperial Palace was the year 1526, when the army of the Sultan defeated in the Battle of Mohacs King Louis II.
Jagiello, who lost his life. His successor on the Czech and Hungarian throne Ferdinand I. of Habsburg faced this year, lasting from Turkish expansion.
Hofburg itself was besieged in 1529. To further attack on the Hofburg occurred in 1683.
The danger of Turkish aggression forced the Habsburg rulers to invest in fortification in Vienna until the end of the 18th century. From this fact profited Prague, which in times of danger could provide security for the Habsburg emperor.