It took Maximilian about four months to travel from Vienna to Ghent in the Netherlands, a city that belonged to the Dukedom of Burgundy. On the day of their marriage, the couple saw each other for the first time - legend has it that it was love at first sight. The marriage was celebrated on August 19 in the castle chapel and the days after many celebrations and tournaments followed.
At the beginning, the couple could only converse in Latin but Maximilian quickly learned French and Flemish. Although the couple married for political reasons, they got along very well. Maximilian and Mary shared a passion for hunting and tournaments but also for arts. However, a shadow was cast over the young couple since France regularly attempted to occupy Burgundian territory.
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