Schonbrunn Palace- Vienna, Austria
Palaces, gardens and parks are things European cities do exceptionally well. Vienna, the centuries old cultural center, should be considered the gold standard. By far, one of the most impressive palaces in all the land is Schonbrunn. The garden there isn’t half bad either. Of course I jest. It’s beyond amazing.
This 1441 room Baroque palace was the formal imperial summer residence of the Hapbsburgs. The land where the palace is located was originally purchased by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II in 1569, to be used as a private recreational hunting ground. Although several mansions existed on the site during its early history, the current palace dates from 1740.
Empress Maria Theresa received the estate as a wedding gift, so I imagine the rest of the presents paled in comparison. The estate remained in the Habsburg family until the fall of their monarchy in 1918, at which point it became property of the Austrian Republic.
Although initially preserved as a museum, it was used as offices for the British Delegation during the Allied Occupation of Austria, following World War II. Upon reestablishment of an Austrian Republic in 1955, the palace reopened as a museum. Schonbrunn Palace and gardens were declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1996 as an exceptional example of a Baroque ensemble.
In the rear of the house, behind the formal gardens, mazes and fountains, perched on a 200 foot hill stands the Gloriette. Originally built in 1775 as a monument to Just War (one that would lead to peace) and Habsburg power, it was destroyed in World War II. It was restored by 1947, and now houses an observation deck, which offers an outstanding view of the palace, as well as the city of Vienna.
Keeping with the vogue trends of the day, in 1882 Emperor Franz Joseph commissioned the construction of a palm house arboretum at Schonbrunn. At 45,000 panes of glass, it is the largest of its kind on the European continent.
In addition to the formal gardens and palm house, there are several different types of statuary and fountains found on the palace grounds. Some are quite grand, such as the 1778 Roman Ruins architectural feature, originally known as the Ruin of Carthage.
Others are more understated, but just as lovely. There is a wonderful diversity of garden types represented at Schonbrunn, so there is bound to be something to appeal to everyone. Unless you hate parks. Then you absolutely should stick to the palace proper. Or rethink your life and position on parks. In addition to the heavily visited area by the palace, there are several quiet spots to be found, away from the crowds.
The area surrounding the palace is also pretty as a picture. Literally. It is a bit of a train ride from the city proper- remember it was a summer residence-so the surrounding neighborhood is slightly less cosmopolitan, but every bit as charming as downtown Vienna.
