The Battle of Morat, 1476

Many years ago, on a business trip to Zurich, I visited the Schweiz Landesmuseum near the Bahnhof. There is a very large model in the museum of the Battle of Morat, often also called Murten, in traditional Zinnfiguren or "flats". The battle was fought on June 22, 1476, between Charles Duke of Burgundy and a Swiss confederate army trying to relieve the Burgundian siege of Murten, 30 km. from Bern. The Swiss army launched a surprise attack which overwhelmed the Burgundian besiegers.

These scans are from postcards purchased by me at the museum.

I have recently been playing a Morat scenario in the STEAM computer game "Pike & Shot" by Slitherine. The game does a good job of showing the siege lines and capturing the feel of a surprise attack. I recommend it highly. 

Ingolstadt Bavarian Army Museum: Völkerschlacht bei Leipzig 1813

On July 8, 2009 my wife and I visited the Bavarian Army Museum in Ingolstadt. The museum is housed in the beautiful Neuen Schloss.

Neuen Schloss, Ingolstadt

One of the finest dioramas in the museum is of the Battle of Leipzig, 1813.

Die Völkerschlacht bei Leipzig vom 16. bis 19. Oktober 1813 

Battle of Aspern-Essling (21-22 May 1809): the Battle of Aspern-Essling Diorama

In the Granary Museum in Essling is a large diorama of the Battle of Aspern-Essling, stretching from the Church at Aspern to the Granary in Essling. It was hard to photograph since it was very dark in the museum and the diorama is in a huge glass case.

Unlike many dioramas in Europe, this one features "round" figures (Vollfiguren) not flats (Flachfiguren).

The photos are in no particular order. I just circled the diorama taking numerous photos from different angles, not sure if any would turn out. I present them in their unadulterated state!

Be sure to plan ahead if you would like to gain access to both museums. I think the trip across Lobau Island to see the battlefield  was very worthwhile, despite all the wonderful attractions of Vienna.