Vienna City Library Finds Letter Written by Jose Rizal in 1887
A letter written by Philippine national hero Jose Rizal in 1887 was recently discovered in Austria, bringing excitement to historians.
The letter was found in the Vienna City Library and was addressed to an Austrian writer, offering a fresh glimpse into Rizal’s life during his travels in Europe.
The discovery was made in September 2023 by Dr. Johann Stockinger, vice president of the Austro-Philippine Society. The Philippine Embassy in Austria shared the news, emphasizing the letter’s importance in understanding Rizal’s connections and thoughts while he was abroad.
Rizal, known for his travels across Europe, often exchanged letters with intellectuals from different countries, discussing literature, culture, and political issues of the time.
Finding this letter adds to the growing collection of Rizal’s works and writings that continue to inspire many people today. It also shows how his influence reached far beyond the Philippines, as he built friendships and shared ideas with people from different parts of the world.
Experts are now studying the letter to learn more about its contents and how it fits into Rizal’s journey and advocacy. The Philippine Embassy hopes that this discovery will spark more interest in Rizal’s life and encourage people to appreciate the rich history shared between the Philippines and Austria.
Who is Jose Rizal?
José Rizal is considered the national hero of the Philippines. He was a Filipino writer, doctor, and activist who played a key role in inspiring the movement for the country’s independence from Spanish rule.
Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Rizal was incredibly intelligent and talented, mastering multiple languages and writing influential works like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
These novels exposed the injustices and abuses of the Spanish colonizers, sparking a sense of nationalism among Filipinos.
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