Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
Wien, Austria
06.08.2020
Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens - A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vienna, Austria
Located in the heart of Vienna, Austria lies the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 17th century. It was originally a hunting lodge for the Habsburg dynasty, but was later transformed into the opulent summer residence of Empress Maria Theresa and her successors.
The palace is a true testament to the grandeur and wealth of the Habsburgs, with its lavish Baroque and Rococo style architecture. The interior of the palace is equally impressive, with 1,441 rooms, including the famous Mirror Room where a young Mozart performed for the Empress at the tender age of six.
One of the highlights of a visit to Schönbrunn Palace is the Grand Tour, which takes visitors through 40 of the palace's most magnificent rooms. This includes the lavish apartments of Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph, as well as the stunning Great Gallery where lavish balls and concerts were held.
But the true beauty of Schönbrunn lies in its expansive gardens, which cover over 1.2 square kilometers of land. The gardens are a perfect blend of Baroque and English landscaping, featuring beautifully manicured lawns, stunning flower beds, and grand fountains.
One of the most iconic features of the gardens is the Gloriette, a majestic structure perched on top of a hill that offers breathtaking views of the palace and the city of Vienna. It was built in the late 18th century as a tribute to Austria's military victories and now serves as a café and observation deck.
Today, Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens continue to be an important cultural and historical landmark in Austria, attracting millions of visitors each year. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Vienna and a true gem of European architecture and design.
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From the 18th century to 1918, Schönbrunn was the residence of the Habsburg emperors. It was designed by the architects Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and Nicolaus Pacassi and is full of outstanding examples of decorative art. Together with its gardens, the site of the world’s first zoo in 1752, it is a remarkable Baroque ensemble and a perfect example of Gesamtkunstwerk.
