The Gates of Vienna

The defeat of the Ottoman Army

outside the gates of Vienna

is usually regarded

as the beginning

of the decline of the Ottoman Empire.

It was  a turning point

in the history of Europe

In the summer of 1683, the main army of the Ottoman Empire, a large and well-equipped force, besieged Vienna.

The town was nearing the end of its ability to resist: but just as the capture of Vienna was becoming only a matter of time – not more than a week away, at most – an army came to its rescue.

On September 12th, in an open battle before Vienna, the Ottoman army was defeated, and the city escaped pillage and destruction.