Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
Wien, Austria
06.08.2020
Schloss und Gärten von Schönbrunn, also known as Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, is a magnificent Baroque palace located in Vienna, Austria. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The palace was originally built as a hunting lodge in the late 17th century for Emperor Leopold I and was later expanded into a grand imperial residence for the Habsburg dynasty. It served as the summer residence of the imperial family for over 300 years, until the end of the monarchy in 1918.
Today, the palace and its surrounding gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Habsburgs. The palace boasts over 1,400 rooms, including the stunning Great Gallery and the lavish Imperial Apartments. Each room is exquisitely decorated with intricate details and adorned with priceless works of art, showcasing the wealth and power of the Habsburgs.
The palace gardens, also known as the Schönbrunn Park, cover an area of 1.2 square kilometers and are a beautiful blend of Baroque and English landscaping styles. The gardens feature fountains, statues, and perfectly manicured lawns, making it a popular spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
One of the highlights of a visit to Schönbrunn is the opportunity to explore the Gloriette, a magnificent hilltop structure that offers panoramic views of the palace and the city of Vienna. Visitors can also take a tour of the stunning Orangery, which houses a collection of over 4,000 exotic plants, or visit the world's oldest zoo, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, located on the palace grounds.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and even Christmas markets. It truly is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a beautiful and tranquil escape from the bustling city of Vienna.
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.
Schönbrunn Palace (German: Schloss Schönbrunn [ˈʃlɔs ʃøːnˈbʁʊn] ; Central Bavarian: Schloss Scheenbrunn) was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, located in Hietzing, Vienna. The name Schönbrunn (meaning "beautiful spring") has its roots in an artesian well from which water was consumed by the court.
The 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country. The history of the palace and its vast gardens spans over 300 years, reflecting the changing tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. It has been a major tourist attraction since the mid-1950s.
