Thursday, January 4, 2024

✈️ Thurn and Taxis: A Century of Postal Legacy in Portugal

As the world marks a century since the Thurn and Taxis postal service ceased operations in Portugal, it is essential to reflect on the significant impact this historic institution had on the country's communication landscape. The Thurn and Taxis postal service, which was founded in the 16th century, played a pivotal role in connecting Portugal to the rest of Europe, facilitating the exchange of information and ideas across borders.

Thurn and Taxis, a family of merchants and entrepreneurs, initially established the postal service as a means to facilitate trade and commerce. Over time, the service expanded to cater to the growing need for reliable communication networks. The service's demise in Portugal, a century ago, marked the beginning of a new era in postal services, with the establishment of the modern postal system. As we commemorate this milestone, it is crucial to acknowledge the enduring legacy of Thurn and Taxis in shaping the course of Portugal's communication history.

what is the thurn and taxes company

The Thurn and Taxis company, also known as the House of Thurn und Taxis, is a historical family of merchants and entrepreneurs who played a significant role in the development of the postal service in Europe. The family's history dates back to the early 12th century, and they initially served the Republic of Venice and the Papal State as faithful couriers on political missions. Over time, the family expanded their services to establish a highly organized courier service between Innsbruck and Brussels, which laid the foundation for international postal services in 1490. The family's achievements in the postal service were recognized by the Emperor, who elevated them to the rank of Imperial Barons, Counts, and eventually Princes. The Thurn und Taxis family maintained their influence in the postal service for centuries, with women also holding leadership positions, including Alexandrine von Taxis, considered the first female entrepreneur in German history. Today, the family's legacy continues to be celebrated, and their historical significance in shaping the course of European communication is still acknowledged.

what is the origin of the thurn und taxes family

The origin of the Thurn und Taxis family can be traced back to the early 12th century in Italy, specifically in the small village of Cornello near Bergamo. The family's history begins with the Tassos or Tassis, who served the Republic of Venice and the Papal State as faithful couriers on political missions. Over time, the family's name evolved through the influence of the Counts de la Torre or Torriani, who settled in the same region after the struggle for control of the city of Milan. Emperor Ferdinand III recognized the Taxis as descendants of the Counts de la Torre in 1650, granting them permission to use their coat of arms and name, which resulted in the family being known as Thurn und Taxis.

what is the thurn und taxes family's connection to the postal service

The Thurn und Taxis family has a long and significant connection to the postal service. The family's history in the postal service began in the early 15th century when Roger de Tassis founded a postal service in Italy, which became highly successful. His heirs were appointed Imperial Postmasters for the Holy Roman Empire, and the family maintained this exclusive position for several centuries, despite the many political and social changes of the time. The Thurn und Taxis family played a crucial role in the development of the postal service in Europe. They organized and operated a postal system from the early 15th century until the late 19th century. In 1490, Franz von Taxis set up a highly organized courier service between Innsbruck and Brussels, laying the foundation for international postal services. Over time, the family expanded their services to cover a vast area, including Rome, Naples, Spain, Germany, and France. By the end of the 18th century, Thurn und Taxis employed around 20,000 people throughout Europe, including regional representatives, administrative staff, and delivery workers. The family's postal service was renowned for its efficiency, with letters sent by express mail from Paris to Brussels taking only 36 hours to arrive, while standard mail from Brussels to Naples would take 14 days. The Thurn und Taxis company held a monopoly over the postal service in much of Central Europe until the late 18th century, when their offices in lands now ruled by the kingdom of Spain were purchased by the Spanish government. Later, in the 19th century, the family's postal service became concentrated in Germany, where it provided a private mail service to several small German states and principalities. The Thurn und Taxis family's legacy in the postal service is also marked by the introduction of the first postage stamps in 1840 and the issuing of their own postage stamps in 1852. The family's coat of arms, which includes the colors black and yellow, has also influenced the logos and branding of postal services. Additionally, the sound of the horn used by Thurn und Taxis postmen to announce their arrival in a town or city has become a symbol of the postal service and is used on many logos for different postal services.

One hundred years ago today, on 18 August 1921, Prince Karl August of Thurn and Taxis married Infanta Maria Ana of Portugal. The wedding took place at Schloß Taxis. 

Archduchess Margarethe Klementine of Austria and Fürst Albert of Thurn and Taxis.

Born on 23 July 1898, Prince Karl August Joseph Maria Maximilian Lamoral Antonius Ignatius Benediktus Valentin of Thurn and Taxis was the third son and child of Fürst Albert of Thurn and Taxis and Archduchess Margarethe Klementine of Austria (1870-1955). Karl August had seven siblings. In 1971, Karl August succeeded as Fürst of Thurn and Taxis following the death of his eldest brother Franz Josef.

Dom Miguel, Duke of Bragança, and Princess Maria Theresa of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg.

Born on 3 September 1899, Infanta Maria Ana Rafaela Micaela Gabriela Lourença of Portugal was the fourth daughter and child of Dom Miguel, Duke of Brangaza (1853-1927), and his second wife Princess Marie Therese of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg (1870-1953). Maria Ana had seven full siblings. From her father's first marriage to Princess Elisabeth of Thurn and Taxis, Maria Ana had three half-siblings. 

As we conclude our exploration of the Thurn und Taxis family's significant contributions to the postal service in Portugal, it is crucial to acknowledge the lasting impact they left on the country's communication landscape. The family's dedication to establishing and maintaining a reliable postal network, which spanned across Europe, played a vital role in facilitating the exchange of information and ideas across borders. Their legacy continues to be celebrated, and their historical significance in shaping the course of European communication is still acknowledged today. The Thurn und Taxis family's commitment to innovation and efficiency in their postal services, which included the introduction of the first postage stamps, has left an indelible mark on the development of modern postal systems.

As we reflect on the Thurn und Taxis family's remarkable journey, it is clear that their contributions extend far beyond the realm of postal services. Their entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to communication have inspired generations of entrepreneurs and innovators. The family's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability in the face of changing circumstances. As we look to the future, it is essential to draw inspiration from the Thurn und Taxis family's unwavering dedication to their craft and their commitment to excellence. Their legacy serves as a reminder that even the smallest innovations can have a profound impact on the world around us.

what is the thurn und taxes family's connection to the postal service

The Thurn und Taxis family has a long and significant connection to the postal service. The family's history in the postal service began in the early 15th century when Roger de Tassis founded a postal service in Italy, which became highly successful. His heirs were appointed Imperial Postmasters for the Holy Roman Empire, and the family maintained this exclusive position for several centuries, despite the many political and social changes of the time. The Thurn und Taxis family organized and operated a postal system in Europe from the early 15th century until the late 19th century. They set up a postal service in Brussels in 1516 that covered an area as far as Rome, Naples, Spain, Germany, and France. By the end of the 18th century, Thurn und Taxis employed around 20,000 people throughout Europe, including regional representatives, administrative staff, and delivery workers. The family's postal service was renowned for its efficiency, with letters sent by express mail from Paris to Brussels taking only 36 hours to arrive, while standard mail from Brussels to Naples would take 14 days. The Thurn und Taxis company held a monopoly over the postal service in much of Central Europe until the late 18th century, when their offices in lands now ruled by the kingdom of Spain were purchased by the Spanish government. Later, in the 19th century, the family's postal service became concentrated in Germany, where it provided a private mail service to several small German states and principalities. The family also adopted the innovation of postage stamps, issuing their own stamps in 1852, which were mainly used by the company. The Thurn und Taxis family's legacy in the postal service is marked by the introduction of the first postage stamps in 1840 and the issuing of their own postage stamps in 1852. The family's coat of arms, which includes the colors black and yellow, has also influenced the logos and branding of postal services. Additionally, the sound of the horn used by Thurn und Taxis postmen to announce their arrival in a town or city has become a symbol of the postal service and is used on many logos for different postal services.

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