The capital of the Danube is one of the most elegant cities in Europe. The city has a long history — it is one of the oldest capitals on the continent — and boasts an extraordinary artistic heritage. During the 19th century it was one of the great musical capitals of the world, and in the early 20th century it became a hub of philosophy and political debate in the Western world, as well as one of the leading cultural centres globally. Since the 16th century, Vienna has been universally recognised as the "musical capital of Europe".