The most beautiful boulevard in the world is 150 years old

Vienna

IN 1857, bushy-whiskered Emperor Franz Joseph proclaimed that his rapidly growing imperial capital Vienna needed a radical makeover befitting Austro-Hungary's wealth, might and technological prowess.

This year, the centrepiece of the mammoth urban engineering project that ensued - the resplendent, five-kilometre "Ringstrasse" boulevard ringing old Vienna - turns 150.

With its dizzying mix of palaces, museums and public buildings in a chocolate box of different styles, the "Ring" is the "most beautiful boulevard in the world", the tourist board says.

The Austrian capital is marking this with special exhibitions, showing how this s…