460 years of Lipizzaner: an anniversary full of tradition and elegance

460 years of Lipizzaner: an anniversary full of tradition and elegance

The Majestic Lipizzans of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna are facing a very special anniversary: ​​In 2025, the traditional institution celebrates its 460th anniversary. Alfred Hudler, Managing Director of the Spanish Riding School and the stud in Styria, was delighted with the recent birth of a new foal called Neapolitano Pastime, which saw the light of day on January 20, 2025. These moments of happiness are characterized by a long history that goes back to 1565- the year in which the construction of a riding and tournament track at the Wiener Hofburg was documented. Freizeit.at

The Stallburg of the Hoffischule, an impressive Renaissance palace, houses the stallions and is a real piece of jewelry in Viennese history. This special atmosphere is commented on hundreds of thousands year after year: in 2024 the Michaelertract was visited by 356,000 guests, which represents a positive development compared to the previous year. It is noteworthy that 13 percent of these visitors come from Austria. The demonstrations presented in the winter riding school are among the highlights in which school jumps such as Kapriole, Gallop Pirouettes and Pas de deux are shown. Freizeit.at

tradition meets innovation

In order to meet the challenges of modern times, improvements have been implemented after a criticism of the Court of Auditors: 66 stallions are currently available for the shows, 18 more than five years ago. Comprehensive measures are planned for the anniversary year in the Stallburg, including the installation of a ventilation and circuit system and the greening of the courtyard. However, the renovation of the roof of the winter riding school will restrict the operation somewhat during the summer, which only increases the anticipation for the upcoming events. Freizeit.at

Who is the meaning after a visit can not only acquire tickets for the demonstrations and morning work, but also take part in guided tours and explore the architecture of the stallburg. The special tour of "Legend Lipizzaner", which is offered on the occasion of the anniversary, is particularly new in the program. If you are looking for an overnight stay, the "Imperial Riding School" in Vienna-Landstrasse is recommended. Freizeit.at

The legacy of the Lipizzaner

The Lipizzaners, who are known as the oldest cultural horses breed in Europe, have a very special connection to the region. Born in Styrian Piber, where the stallions for the Spanish Riding School have been bred since 1920, they are also the focus of a multinational submission to recognize lipizzan breeding as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity Class = "Source_2"> srs.at [UNESCO.AT] (https://www.unesco.at/kultur/immaterielles-kulturerbe/artikel/kissen-um-die-lipizzanerzanerzucht-Multinationale- Environment/)

The historical stables and the baroque lock in Piber invite visitors not only to admire the impressive horses, but also to enjoy the culinary delights in the café restaurant. Whether guided stud visits, exciting carriage rides or child-friendly programs-a mix of traditional flair and modern leisure elements is offered here that not only enthusiastic horse fans. [SRS.AT] (https://www.srs.at/de/ueber-uns-uns/stermark/will-

On the occasion of the long tradition and the cultural importance of the Lipizzans, the knowledge of their breeding has been conducted in the national list of intangible cultural heritage in Austria since 2016. This legacy, which has been passed on from generation to generation for over 400 years, is now also to be recognized internationally. [UNESCO.AT] (https://www.unesco.at/kultur/immaterielles-kulturerbe/artikel/kissen-um-die-lipizzanerzanerzucht-Multinationale- Environment/)