Story

The documentary by Björn Kölz and Gernot Stadler traces the history of the Southern Railway and the effects of railroad construction in the 19th century and embarks on a journey to Vienna via Semmering, through Styria and finally to the Istrian coast of Opatija, the former Abbazia. The picturesque coastal town with its Benedictine abbey quickly blossomed after the railroad opened up the area and soon Europe’s most famous people were meeting on the imperial and royal Riviera. Riviera soon attracted not only Europe’s crowned heads, but also the wealthy bourgeoisie from all over the world, who traveled to the Austrian Adriatic coast in luxurious railroad coupes.

The final stop on the journey is the spa town of Optaija/Abbazia, which is still fashionable today and has long been proud of its Austrian past. In numerous hotels such as the Miramar or the former Südbahnhotel Quarnero, guests can enjoy modern wellness facilities combined with old Austrian flair. Numerous historic buildings shine in new splendor and the Lungomare, the legendary promenade right by the sea, bears the name of Austria’s long-serving emperor, Franz Joseph.

Production data:

Format

Docudrama, 52 min, 2014

Production

GS-Film, ORF/3sat

Script

Gernot Stadler

Direction

Björn Kölz, Gernot Stadler

Idea & Concept

Björn Kölz

Camera

Gernot Stadler, Dieter Frank

Camera assistance & sound

Björn Kölz

Distribution

ORF Enterprise