Construction work on Schonbrunn palace started under Emperor Leopold I (in 1695). As the palace expanded over time, it now contains several magnificent buildings and vast formal gardens.
The current size of the palace is from reign of Empress Maria Theresia and work done from 1744-1749…
…when the palace also became a popular royal residence, used in addition to the historical Hofburg palace.
PHOTO: Entrance to Schönbrunn, as seen from Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse.
PHOTO: Schonbrunn and its the palace square. From the square, you can take a horse carriage ride. On that same theme, there is an imperial horse carriage museum within the complex, located right of the picture, within a separate wing.
PHOTO: The palace’s gardens’ facade, as seen from the ‘Glorietta‘ hill.
PHOTO: Closeup of Glorietta pavilion. The building has a cafe, and with a window seat, you’ll have the best views to the palace below. Miniature train on the right side of the picture is “der Schönbrunner“…another way (to the horse carriages) to save your legs while touring the gardens.
PHOTO: The palace gardens have numerous highlights, with tens of statues and formal gardens in French and English style.
PHOTO: Between the palace and Glorietta pavilion, you’ll find the picturedNeptune fountain.
PHOTO: Within the gardens, buildings include (pictured) Palm House, with a collection of tropical plans and flowers.
PHOTO: The gardens are popular for free-time, walking, jogging, and simply relaxing within the beautiful surroundings. You’ll find benches throughout the place for sitting down, and for just enjoying the sights.
Schonbrunn has played central role in many important events throughout its history, including the years, when Napoleon had his headquarters here (1805, 1806, and 1809)…and when the dancing congress of Vienna used its halls (1814/1815).
The last Austrian emperor, Karl I, gave up his crown from Schonbrunn palace (in 1918), ending Habsburg dynasty’s 600-year long reign in Austria.
When you tour the inside of the palace highlights, make sure to have a look at…
- Great Gallery,
- Round Chinese room, and
- Vieux Laque & Marie Antoinette rooms.
Also, the palace theater, with magnificent Rococo interiors, is famous for being a performance venue for such greats as Mozart and Haydn.
Schonbrunn Palace
Address: Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse 47, 1130 Vienna, Austria
Facebook: Facebook.com/Schloss.Schoenbrunn
Twitter: Twitter.com/Schonbrunn
Official website: Schoenbrunn.at
- French style trimmed trees,
- fields of flowers,
- majestically manicured lawns with fountains,
- Schönbrunn Zoo (an addition from 1752),
- Gloriette pavilion (1775), and
- Palm House (1883).
You should also check out the ‘Wagenburg‘ museum, a unique collection of royal horse carriages.