Schonbrunn Palace: A Baroque Masterpiece and Symbol of Habsburg Legacy

Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe

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Image Source: VPG Vienna

The Historical Importance

Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens are one of the finest and best-preserved Baroque ensembles in Europe, embodying the long lasting power and influence of the Habsburg dynasty. The origin of the site dates to the 16th century when Emperor Maximilian II purchased the property, first employing it as a hunting preserve and leisure area for the court. The title "Schonbrunn," or "beautiful spring," is derived from an artesian well found on the property. After the original hunting lodge was destroyed in the Turkish siege of 1683, reconstruction started in 1696 under Emperor Leopold I, with architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach designing the palace in the Baroque style. Initially conceived as a hunting lodge, Schonbrunn was it was Emperor Charles VI who, in 1728, gave his daughter, Maria Theresa, Schonbrunn. The palace was constructed up as an imperial summer palace in her day, a great time in the life of Schonbrunn and the center of court and political life. This transformation was a reflection of the Habsburgs' dominance during the late 17th to early 20th centuries, with Vienna as a hub of Baroque art and Schonbrunn as one of its greatest architectural projects.

Baroque Masterpiece

Schonbrunn is the pinnacle of the Gesamtkunstwerk concept a harmonious combination of various arts into one piece. Palace and gardens are synonymous with each other, symbolizing a cohesive artwork that epitomizes the very height of Baroque design. The gardens, created in 1695 by Jean Trehet, a pupil of Andre Le Notre, are an outgrowth of the palace, representing the magnificence of the Habsburg empire. Architectural features like the Gloriette, constructed in 1775 on a 60 meter hill to glorify Habsburg power and the idea of a "Just War," add to its imperial character. The Roman Ruins, built by architect Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg in 1778, symbolize the 18th century interest in picturesque ruins, which represented the fall of great powers and the retention of a heroic past. The Orangery, built circa 1755, and the Great Palm House, a stunning 1882 iron framed structure, are examples of the 19th century advances in architectural technology merging with nature.

Cultural and Historical Integrity

Schonbrunn has been modified very little over the centuries and has retained its integrity and authenticity. Although some minor changes took place in the 19th century, the palace and gardens have maintained their original shape very much. The Imperial apartments, theatre, chapel, and fixtures remain untouched, maintaining their historic integrity. The Baroque style of the gardens, as laid out by Jean Trehet in 1695, is restored using old fashioned 18th century methods. The palace's shape has not changed since 1918, so that the visitor can still find themselves in a time stopped location where the grandeur of the Habsburg legacy is alive. Of special attention are the façades of the palaces, represented in 1759/60 paintings of Bernardo Bellotto, that with their intensive articulation and ornamentation appoint the exterior an important example of the Rococo style.

Protection, Management, and Conservation

Schonbrunn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is under strict protection and management. The palace and the gardens belong to the Republic of Austria with their management being with Schloss Schonbrunn Kultur und Betriebsgesellschaft mbH from 1992. Federal Gardens Service takes care of the gardens to make sure they are preserved according to historical preservation standards. The City of Vienna enforces zoning and building regulations to prevent high rise construction from spoiling the skyline and visual equilibrium of the palace. Schonbrunn Academy goes a step ahead in conservation of heritage with specialized training courses so that knowledge on preservation is passed on to succeeding generations. Opportunities for redevelopment in cities, as offered by Vienna Ice Skating Club, Intercontinental Hotel, and Vienna Music Konzerthaus area, came into existence during recent times laying emphasis on the preservation of integrity of the place against city advancement.

Enduring Legacy and Tourism Significance

Schonbrunn remains one of the most visited attractions in Austria, attracting millions of tourists annually. As a cultural and architectural treasure, the estate offers a peek into imperial history, artistic grandeur, and European heritage. The attraction is accessed through opulent palace rooms, pristine gardens, and historic locations, offering a backdrop that embodies Austria's royal heritage. The palace continues to be an educational and cultural hub, maintaining the Habsburg legacy while adapting to modern conservation standards. Schonbrunn's combination of art, history, and nature ensures that it will continue to be a reminder of Austria's imperial splendor and a favorite among generations to come. especially noteworthy is the Tiergarten Schonbrunn, already inaugurated in 1752 within the palace gardens, and world's oldest enduring zoo that currently houses over 700 species and welcomes interactive tours by millions of visitors annually.

Australia’s Limestone Giants: The History and Future of the Twelve Apostles

Iruni Kalupahana Jadetimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Australia

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Image Source: Hans Mast 

The Twelve Apostles, a breathtaking collection of limestone stacks on Victoria's Great Ocean Road in Australia, is one of the country's most iconic natural wonders. Situated within the Port Campbell National Park, these towering rock stacks have long fascinated visitors with their dramatic silhouette on the horizon of the Southern Ocean. Their proximity and peculiar geological nature make them a prime tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually. Despite the name, there is historical evidence that the formation has never had exactly twelve stacks. There were nine limestone stacks initially, but erosion has reduced this to seven. The most easily accessed viewing point gives a clear view of six, with the seventh slightly further from the main viewing platform.

Geological Formation and Evolution

The Twelve Apostles are a product of natural geological processes that have sculpted the coastline over the last few million years. The stacks are a section of the Port Campbell Limestone, which was deposited during the Mid to Late Miocene period, between 15 and 5 million years ago. The winds and the waves have ceaselessly pounded the shoreline. Over time, the erosive power of the Southern Ocean created caves in the cliffs, which then became natural arches. When these collapsed, they left behind free standing stacks of limestone, some of which rose up to 50 meters high. However, with the ongoing erosion, the remaining formations are also liable to collapse, with new stacks to be created when headlands gradually erode. There were major collapses in 2005 and 2009, reducing the number of stacks further.

Historical Naming and Tourism Development

Before gaining fame globally as the Twelve Apostles, the formations went by several names. The Pinnacles was what the early European settlers called them, and subsequently the Sow and Pigs (or Sow and Piglets), with Muttonbird Island being the Sow and the Piglets being the smaller limestone stacks. However, in an effort to enhance tourist appeal, the formation was aptly renamed the Twelve Apostles, taking a biblical reference to the followers of Jesus. The strategic renaming played a significant role in the development of the site as one of the most visited natural wonders in Australia, helping boost regional tourism along the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles remain a major draw for travelers visiting Victoria's coastal wonders.

Conservation Efforts

Because of their fragile nature, the Twelve Apostles are the subject of conservation efforts to protect this natural heritage. The formations are still being shaped by coastal erosion, and their survival in the future is a concern. The Port Campbell Professional Fishermen's Association vigorously objected to the establishment of the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park in 2002 out of concern that it would result in fishing restrictions. But the Victorian government later won them over by prohibiting seismic testing by Benaris Energy at the site. The association had argued that seismic testing would have catastrophic effects on marine life, particularly on fish stocks that sustain local livelihoods. Conservationists promote responsible tourism and environmental management in order to save this amazing landscape for future generations despite ongoing controversies.

A Timeless Attraction for Visitors

The Twelve Apostles remain a pilgrimage point for tourists, photographers, and nature lovers wishing to witness the power of nature. The location offers a range of visitor experiences, including viewing points, walking trails, and helicopter tours that give a dramatic aerial perspective of the formations. The most popular visits are at sunset and sunrise, when the golden hues of these periods imprint an unforgettable visual memory. Although erosion will ultimately define the landscape over time, the Twelve Apostles remain a testament to nature's continually changing beauty. Their size and geological significance ensure they will be one of Australia's most cherished coastal symbols for generations to come.

The Doomsday Clock Explained

Chethana Janith, Jadetimes Staff

C. Janith is a Jadetimes news reporter and sub-editor covering science and geopolitics.

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The Doomsday Clock is a metaphor that signifies how close humanity is to self-destruction, primarily due to the threats of nuclear weapons and climate change.

The hands of the clock are set by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a group formed by Manhattan Project scientists at the University of Chicago, who were instrumental in building the atomic bomb but protested its use against people.

Currently, the Doomsday Clock is set at 89 seconds to midnight.

Image Source: (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

What are the origins of the Doomsday Clock?

The Doomsday Clock symbolizes how precariously close we are to annihilating ourselves with dangerous technologies of our own creation. It serves as a warning of the metaphorical “minutes to midnight” that humanity has left. Updated annually by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, its purpose is to alert the public and inspire action.

When established in 1947, the Doomsday Clock's setting reflected the threat posed by nuclear weapons, which the Bulletin scientists regarded as the greatest danger to humanity. In 2007, the Bulletin began to include catastrophic disruptions from climate change in its deliberations for setting the clock's hands.

The furthest setting of the clock was 17 minutes to midnight in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the signing of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Previously, the closest setting was two minutes to midnight - first in 1953, when the U.S. and Soviet Union both tested thermonuclear weapons, and then in 2018, citing “a breakdown in the international order” among nuclear actors and the persistent inaction on climate change.

In 2025, the clock moved to its closest setting ever: 89 seconds to midnight.

How was the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists founded?

Most members of the Manhattan Project, the secret government mission that created the first atomic bomb, were unaware of what they were building. However, the scientists knew, and some had reservations from the beginning.

Physicists Leo Szilard and Albert Einstein wrote to President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939, alerting him to the potential of an atomic bomb and their suspicions that Germany might be able to construct one. Six years later, in June 1945, Szilard, along with Nobel laureate James Franck and other Manhattan Project scientists, signed a cautionary document known as the Franck Report, which they sent to the U.S. Secretary of War. They advocated for a public demonstration of the weapon in an uninhabited area to pressure Japan into surrendering. When the document failed to gain traction, they circulated a second petition against the use of the weapon, signed by nearly 70 Manhattan Project employees.

Despite their efforts, in August 1945, the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Upon learning that the bomb had been dropped on Hiroshima, Szilard called it “one of the greatest blunders of history” (in a note on stationery from the University of Chicago Quadrangle Club to Gertrud Weiss, the professor of medicine whom he later married).

Szilard and many other Manhattan Project scientists quickly convened to discuss how to educate the public about science and its implications for humanity. By September, they had formed the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists of Chicago - later shortened to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists as membership grew. Their mission was clear: “to equip the public, policymakers, and scientists with the information needed to reduce man-made threats to our existence.”

“For the first time in modern history, scientists were saying that it was necessary to make judgments about what to do with their inventions,” remarked John A. Simpson, a young UChicago scientist who had worked on the Manhattan Project and served as the first chairman of the Bulletin.

For 75 years, the Bulletin has continued as an independent, nonprofit organization, publishing a bimonthly magazine. According to its website, its mission is to “gather a diverse array of the most informed and influential voices tracking man-made threats” to inform the public and the world at large.

How was the Doomsday Clock created?

The first few Bulletins were mimeographed collections of articles. However, as the publication expanded, its editors decided to appeal to a wider audience with a designed cover. Bulletin member Martyl Langsdorf, an artist primarily known for her abstract landscapes, agreed to create an illustration.

Responding to the urgency conveyed in the meetings, she designed a minimalist yet memorable clock with its hands set at seven minutes to midnight, partly because it “looked good to [her] eye.” Since then, the Bulletin has used the clock to depict the existential threats facing humanity. A full timeline of the clock’s hand placements is available on the Bulletin’s website.

Where is the Doomsday Clock located?

The Doomsday Clock is located at the Bulletin offices at 1307 E. 60th St., in the lobby of the Keller Center, home to the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

How is the Doomsday Clock set?

Until his death in 1973, Bulletin editor Eugene Rabinowitch decided whether the clock hand should be moved. As a leader in the international disarmament movement, he actively engaged with policy experts and scientists worldwide, using these discussions to set the clock and explain his reasoning in the Bulletin’s pages.

Today, the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board sets the clock. This group of 18 experts, with diverse backgrounds in policy, diplomacy, military history, and nuclear science, meets twice a year to discuss events, policies, and trends. They consult widely with their colleagues across various disciplines and seek the views of the Bulletin’s Board of Sponsors, which includes multiple Nobel laureates. Each year, the clock’s position is announced in late January.

The Bulletin currently recognizes three major threats to civilization: climate change, nuclear proliferation, and “disruptive technologies,” including bio- and cybersecurity. “Each of these threats has the potential to destroy civilization and render the Earth largely uninhabitable by human beings,” it states. Its public dashboard constantly tracks these threats.

An inaccurate harbinger of doom. Image Source: (HE68/Shutterstock)

What happens when the Doomsday Clock hits midnight?

When originally launched, the clock’s countdown referred to a potential exchange of nuclear weapons, which would have catastrophic consequences for humanity and the planet.

Today, the threat from nuclear weapons remains, but another significant threat is climate change. “It’s much harder to have a kind of before and after midnight clear sense of what that means [for climate],” former director Rachel Bronson told the University of Chicago’s Big Brains podcast. “That being said, this metaphor is important because for the climate, there are tipping points that you can’t come back from. And you won’t feel those effects until years out, but it’ll be very difficult if even possible to recover from.”

However, Bulletin members have consistently emphasized that the clock is not intended to instill fear but rather to inspire action. Board member Prof. Robert Rosner likens the clock to “the canary in the coal mine,” prompting miners to take quick action to save their lives.

“The number of ways in which we walk blithely into Armageddon is very high. But that’s something all of us can help address,” said Daniel Holz, UChicago professor of astronomy and astrophysics and chair of the Science and Security Board. “If we act now, we might avoid some of the worst, civilization-threatening outcomes. Agitate for change! It’s not too late.”

“Past experience has taught us, even during the most dismal periods of the Cold War, we can as a people come together to address our challenges,” said Rosner, former chair of the Bulletin’s science and security board and the William E. Wrather Distinguished Service Professor in Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics at the University of Chicago. “It is now high time to do so again.”