Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Palace

Attraction Introduction

The palace complex of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty, also known as the Schönbrunn or Belvedere Palace. Located in the center of the capital, Vienna, construction began in 1696 and was completed in 1713, taking over 10 years. It was built by Emperor Karl for Prince Eugene. Prince Eugene was originally a French nobleman but later became a national hero who led the Austrian army to repel the Turkish invasion.

A bronze equestrian statue of him stands in the Hero's Square in front of the palace. He was a military leader with a deep understanding of architectural art, and the architects built a classical palace modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France according to his vision. This is also a magnificent Baroque-style building and one of the most spectacular palaces in Europe. The palace is built along the terrain and is divided into the Upper and Lower Belvederes. Each part has its own garden. The Upper Belvedere was used for imperial work, receiving guests, and holding grand events, while the Lower Belvedere served as residential and guest accommodation. The entire palace has 1,400 uniquely decorated rooms, integrated into a vast quadrangle-shaped architectural complex.

Among them, 44 rooms are particularly lavishly decorated. For example, the resplendent Schönbrunn Hall, where the historically significant Treaty of Independence was signed in May 1955, after which Austria declared “permanent neutrality.” There is also the “Million Room,” a grand living room decorated with millions in gold and silver by Princess Maria. Maria was an Austrian princess who later married Napoleon, who once galloped across the European continent. Napoleon stayed in this palace twice, and it still houses his authentic portrait and personal belongings.

The “Austrian Gallery” within the palace houses masterpieces of painting and sculpture from the Middle Ages to the modern era, essentially serving as the Austrian Court Art Museum. The Treasure Chamber in the palace complex stores the splendid costumes of emperors throughout the ages, lifelike portraits, and radiant jewels. A crown inlaid with colorful gemstones and pearls shines brilliantly—it is a symbol of Habsburg rule. In 1806, shaken by the French Revolution, Francis II, the last emperor of the “Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation,” removed this crown, declaring the end of an 800-year-long rule that had spanned most of Europe.

The “Silver Chamber” of the Hofburg Palace is also a famous attraction in Vienna. The chamber preserves the tablecloths, napkins, sets of cutlery, glassware, crystalware, and porcelain used by the Habsburg dynasty—nearly tens of thousands of items. The napkins and tablecloths were made over 100 years ago from high-quality Czech linen. The largest tablecloth is 20 meters long. Napkins come in “imperial size” (1 meter square) and “court size” (70 cm square). Various sets of cutlery have historically been used for state banquets.

Austrian Vienna