The Nobility of Austria refers to the social class of aristocrats who held titles and privileges in the historical regions of Austria. This class played a significant role in the governance and culture of the Habsburg Empire, which ruled over Austria and many other territories in Europe for centuries. Nobles often owned large estates and were influential in politics, military, and the arts. With the fall of the Habsburg monarchy after World War I, the formal privileges of the Austrian nobility were abolished. However, many noble families still exist today, maintaining their heritage and often participating in cultural and charitable activities, despite the lack of official status.