Vienna Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Vienna

The Vienna City Hall (Wiener Rathaus) is the heart of local governance, hosting both the municipal government and legislative assembly (Landtag). Constructed between 1872 and 1883, this impressive complex was designed by architect Friedrich von Schmidt, whose statue is found right behind the building in the square bearing his name (Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz).

The City Hall features a neo-Gothic architectural style drawn from medieval Flemish and Brabant influences. Its exterior is marked by five towers, with the central one reaching up to 98 meters, topped by the "City Hall Man" (Rathausmann), a significant symbol of Vienna. Installed in 1882, the statue is clad in armor modeled after that of Emperor Maximilian I.

Apart from its architectural beauty, the City Hall also stands out for its functional spaces like the "City Hall Cellar" (Wiener Rathauskeller) restaurant offering traditional Viennese cuisine within a baroque setting. The building's facade is adorned with numerous sculptures and reliefs, including depictions of historical figures like Emperor Franz Joseph I, and statues symbolizing Power and Justice. Additional decorative elements include a representation of Vindobona, the allegorical figure of Vienna, surrounded by various historical and heraldic statues that signify the city's heritage and administrative significance.

On the sides, there are statues representing various professions, emphasizing the diversity of trades and crafts significant to Vienna's cultural and economic life.

Those willing to climb 331 steps to the top of the central tower are going to be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

Tip:
There is a free guided German-language tour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 1 pm.
They also provide audio guide devices in a number of other languages, for which you'll need to give up your passport as a deposit.

The square in front of the new City Hall (Rathaus) in Vienna derives its name from this prominent landmark. Originally found outside city walls, the area was used for military purposes and remained undeveloped until the late 19th century when it was transformed into a vast square. Over the years, its name changed several times for political reasons, including “Adolf Hitler Square” (Adolf-Hitler-Platz) in 1938, but ultimately reverted to “City Hall Square” (Rathausplatz) in 1945.

Today, the square hosts significant cultural and social events throughout the year, including the famous Vienna Ice Dream - a mobile ice skating rink (from January to February), the Christmas market, the opening of the Vienna Festival (in May), and open-air film screenings with classical music (in July and August). The Life Ball in the City Hall also takes place in the square. Another tradition is a large Christmas tree erected every year since 1959 by one of the federal states, as a gift to the federal capital.

Adjacent to the square lies the City Hall Park (Rathauspark), one of the most popular in town. The park was established in 1873 on a former military parade ground and has remained in active use ever since.

Inside the park, there are monuments to various politicians and artists, including Austrian composers Johann Strauss Senior and Josef Lanner. The park flora features exotic plants like Gingko Biloba, Japanese pagoda tree, umbrella tree, and many others. Some of the trees predate the park itself. The oldest of them is a London plane tree, dating back to 1783. It stands 30 meters high, has a crown diameter of 21 meters, and a trunk circumference of 6 meters.

The People's Garden (Volksgarten) is a public park in the Inner City (Innere Stadt) of Vienna that forms part of the expansive Hofburg Palace complex. It was established in 1821 over the remnants of city fortifications destroyed by Napoleonic forces in 1809. Officially opened to the public in 1823, the garden holds the distinction of being the city's first public park.

At its center stands the Theseus Temple (Theseustempel), a neoclassical structure, originally designed to house a sculpture of Theseus defeating a centaur, which was later moved to the Museum of Fine Arts.

Among other noteworthy features within the park are the two historical coffee houses – Cortisches and Cafè Meierei – where notable Austrian composers, Johann Strauss Senior and Joseph Lanner, performed.

Moving towards the park's northern section, you will come across a prominent statue of Empress Elisabeth sculpted from a massive (8,000-kilogram) block of marble. At the southern end of the park is a monument depicting the Austrian writer Franz Grillparzer seated deep in contemplation, holding a book in his left hand.

The park is also renowned for its beautifully manicured rose gardens, containing over 3,000 rose bushes representing about 400 different cultivars.

A very cozy and lovely place to visit a bit of rest or a picnic, this garden is a favored green space for relaxation and cultural immersion in the heart of Vienna.

The New Palace (Neue Burg) in Vienna is the latest and most magnificent addition to the Hofburg complex. Its construction took 32 years, from 1881 to 1913. The Neo-Renaissance building is a testament to the twilight years of the Habsburg Empire. Upon its completion, just five years before the empire's collapse, the palace served as the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

By 1933, the property aligned well with the Austro-fascist self-image, showcasing exhibitions that glorified Austria's chivalric past and supported authoritarian ideologies. It was used extensively by the Nazis for exhibitions and as a hub for organizing art theft, highlighted by major events and the conversion of its first floor into a depot for looted art.

After the unification of Austria and Nazi Germany (known as "Anschluss"), it became a significant Nazi propaganda site, prominently featuring Adolf Hitler's speech from its terrace—a pivotal moment in Austria's National Socialist history. Today, the "Hitler balcony" – from which Adolf Hitler delivered his proclamation of the Anschluss in 1938 – remains a key site in understanding the scope of National Socialism in Europe. Post-1945, the building transformed from a symbol of triumph to a site of shame, reflecting Austria's complex memory culture.

The New Palace houses several museums, including the Austrian National Library with over 12 million objects, including four million books, a unique globe museum with 695 globes, and one of the world's most significant papyrus collections with 180,000 items spanning 3,000 years. Additionally, there is the Ephesos Museum showcasing ancient artifacts from Ephesus and Samothrace, as part of the Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum), and the House of Austrian History, opened in 2018, spread across multiple floors.

The building's facade showcases 20 statues of historical Austrian figures, representing various roles – from Marcomanni (the ancient Germanic people who established a powerful kingdom north of the Danube) and Roman soldiers to merchants and knights, – each crafted by different artists to honor Austria's diverse historical influences.

Tip:
Young people under 19 enter for free.
Wheelchair rental is available (reserve one day in advance). Notification by telephone approximately 15 minutes before arrival at the front desk is recommended.
The collections of Ancient Instruments and Arms and Armor are only accessible via elevator at the ticket counter level; the Ephesos Museum can only be reached from this level via steps (60 in total).

The Spanish Riding School (Spanische Reitschule) is renowned worldwide for its longstanding tradition – of over four and a half centuries – of preserving and practicing classical equestrian skills. Established in 1565, this is the oldest school of its kind in the world. The current white riding hall was constructed under Emperor Karl VI's commission in 1729.

The school is named for the Spanish horses foundational to the Lipizzan breed used here. The Lipizzaner stallions, named after the Lipizza stud farm near Trieste, Slovenia, were created by crossbreeding Arab, Berber, and Spanish horses known for elegance and endurance. They start intricate step training at age three.

These majestic animals are possibly the only horses globally that reside within an emperor's palace. With historical roots in ancient military horsemanship inspired by Spanish techniques, the school traditionally employed male riders, although it opened up to female riders too in 2008.

The Spanish Riding School offers 70 to 90-minute public demonstrations, featuring exceptional horsemanship and music, which have remained unchanged for decades.

The interior of the school exudes elegance, featuring 46 columns, intricate plasterwork, chandeliers, and a coffered ceiling. The royal box and galleries for spectators grace the head of the arena. As the riders make their entrance, it is customary for them to tip their hats in a gesture of respect to the portrait of Emperor Karl VI. The school courtyard is adorned with an equestrian statue of another emperor, Josef II.

If you're a horse lover, watching these incredible creatures is a must when in Vienna. But even if you are not fond of horse shows, a guided tour (in English or German) through the stabling and the riding arena is worth a visit anytime.

Tip:
If you like horses, it is great to see them train in the morning.
If you want to see them jump, go for the actual show. Make sure to book tickets online in advance to skip the long queues.
If you drop into the (not too expensive) on-site cafe for a coffee, drink, or snack, you can go out to the terrace, adjacent to which is a wooden enclosure where you can see the horses and their riders practice before the show - and that won't cost you anything!

The Hofburg, which means the "Castle of the Court," is a cornerstone of Vienna's imperial and architectural history. Originating in 1279 as a residence for the Dukes of Austria, it expanded significantly to accommodate the growing power and prestige of the Habsburg dynasty. This expansion created the principal imperial palace, which served as the winter residence for the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire until 1806 and the Emperors of Austria until the end of the First World War in 1918. Since 1946, the palace has functioned as the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria and more recently as the permanent headquarters for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The vast complex covers an area of over 240,000 square meters, comprising 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and 2,600 rooms. These include the Amalienburg, the Albertina, the Imperial Chapel (Hofkapelle), the Library (Hofbibliothek), the Treasury (Schatzkammer), the Burgtheater, the Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule), and the Imperial Mews (Hofstallungen).

A notable section, the Swiss Wing, is one of the earliest structures, dating back to the 13th century. Architectural developments continued over the centuries with additions made during Emperor Ferdinand I's reign in the 1550s, including the Swiss Gate that proudly displays his insignia. The Renaissance influence is also evident in the enhancements like the Leopoldine Wing, constructed in the 1660s and later reconstructed in a distinctive Late Renaissance style.

Significant too is the Court Library, integrated into the Hofburg complex in the 18th century, which boasts the grand Prunksaal hall and is richly adorned with a ceiling fresco and statues of emperors. The Winter Riding School and the Imperial Chancellery Wing also highlight the architectural evolution, originally designed to house imperial offices and notable residents such as Napoleon.

The Hofburg's Redoute Wing, originally an opera house, as well as the Imperial Mews that are now used by the Spanish Riding School, further exemplify the multifaceted functions of the palace. Each wing and structure here encapsulates a piece of Austria's eventful history, making it a central symbol of imperial tradition and architectural magnificence in Vienna.

Tip:
The Imperial Chapel inside the complex is open to the public. If you come for Sunday Mass, you can listen to the famous Vienna Boys Choir performing regularly.

Saint Michael's Square (Michaelerplatz) is a baroque-style, star-shaped square in the heart of Vienna that functions as the point of intersection of several streets and the northeast entry point to the Hofburg Palace.

The area's history traces back to the Roman legionary camp of Vindobona. A viewing spot for an excavation of this encampment is found at the center of the square.

As you enter, you can't help noticing the impressive Neo-Baroque Michael’s Gate (Michaelertor) leading through Saint Michael's Wing (Michaelertrakt) to the Hofburg’s inner courtyard. On both sides of the doorway are 19th-century fountains, created by Rudolf Weyer.

Opposite Michael’s Gate – on its eastern side – is the grand church of Saint Michael (Michaelerkirche), which lends its name to the square itself. The earliest parts of it date back to 1221, yet its present form originated in 1792.

The porch is topped by Baroque sculptures depicting the Fall of the Angels. Inside are 14th-century Renaissance frescoes, plus a carved, gilded organ – the largest in Vienna – once played by Joseph Haydn. Off the north choir is the crypt entrance. In the 17th and 18th centuries, local parishioners were often buried beneath the church; some of their well-preserved bodies, clothed in burial finery, can still be viewed in open coffins.

In the 20th century, the area saw significant developments such as the construction of Looshaus, one of the most modern buildings in Vienna at the time, designed by Adolf Loos. Although now famous, back in the day, it was considered an eyesore for its rather simple, unadorned design. So much so, in fact, that when completed in 1912, the building caused such an outrage on the part of Emperor Franz Joseph that he vowed never to use Michael’s Gate ever again. The cause of his indignation was the building’s starkly functional upper facade contrasting dramatically with the nearby fine ornate Baroque architecture. Today, the Looshaus is a working bank, but visitors are allowed into the lobby to view the elegant interior, which is richly clad in polished timber, green marble, and mirrors.

Other main sights overlooking the square include the Spanish Riding School; the Sisi Museum; the Neo-Baroque Herberstein Palace (Palais Herberstein); and two 18th-century apartment buildings known as Little Michael's House (Kleines Michaelerhaus) and Big Michael's House (Großes Michaelerhaus) – the latter being the former home of composer Joseph Haydn.

Tip:
Doing one of the horse-drawn carriage tours from here is highly recommended and worth the money as a great way to see central Vienna.

Demel is a renowned Viennese pastry shop and chocolaterie, founded in 1786, which has held the prestigious title of Purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Court since 1874. Steeped in a Neo-baroque aesthetic, this shop is famous for its traditional service, with waitresses, known as Demelinerinnen, addressing customers in a formal third-person style.

Originally established on Saint Michael's Square (Michaelerplatz) by Ludwig Dehne, a confectioner from Württemberg, the business passed through family hands until 1857 when it was sold to Christoph Demel, an employee. Under the management of Demel's sons, Joseph and Karl, the shop was relocated to Kohlmarkt following the demolition of the old Burgtheater and subsequent refurbishment of Saint Michael's Square in 1888. Demel flourished during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, attracting notable patrons like Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), Princess Pauline von Metternich, and actress Katharina Schratt.

The 20th century saw Demel engaged in a legal battle with the Hotel Sacher over the rights to the "Original Sacher Torte," a famous Viennese delicacy, which concluded in 1963 with a compromise allowing Demel to use a distinctive triangular seal for its version of the torte.

Today, Demel also houses a museum showcasing its imperial past and the art of chocolate making. This historic establishment continues to be a symbol of Vienna's rich culinary heritage and is a must-visit location for those wishing to enjoy an authentic Austrian delectable treat.

Saint Peter's Church (Peterskirche) in Vienna is a Baroque Roman Catholic parish church, nestled among surrounding buildings which make it visible primarily from the front. The site has hosted several iterations of a church, with the earliest possibly being Vienna's oldest, tracing back to the early 4th century AD. Originally a Roman encampment, the location saw a Romanesque church established here by none other than King Charlemagne himself in 792. There's a plaque on the building's facade that tells the tale of Charlemagne's involvement, adding a touch of historical significance. Historical documents, however, first reference a church here in 1137.

By the late 12th century, this church became associated with a Catholic monastery (Schottenstift) founded in Vienna in 1155. After a fire in 1661, the building saw only minimal repairs until the devastation of the 1679-1680 plague. Emperor Leopold I, a member of the Fraternity of the Holy Trinity, then vowed to reconstruct it.

Construction of the new Baroque church began around 1701, drawing inspiration from Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Consecrated in 1733, this church was the first domed structure in Baroque Vienna, featuring a compact, oval interior that maximizes its limited space.

The exterior boasts a predominantly white and very light yellow color scheme. Two towers grace the building, defining its classic outside appearance. These towers exhibit a slightly inward curve, a design said to be inspired by the tent poles used by the Turks who invaded the region in the late 1600s.

The interior is rich with gold stucco and frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr, depicting scenes such as the Coronation of Our Lady. The high altar showcases the Healing of the Lame by Saint Peter and Saint John. The church also houses several relics in its side chapels, including martyrs from Roman catacombs presented in glass coffins.

From 1998 to 2004, Saint Peter's Church underwent significant renovations and today remains a cherished monument of Vienna's religious and architectural heritage.

Tip:
Each day, from 3 to 3:30 pm, you can listen to live organ music here for free (donations are welcome). Choir performances are also frequent, with for-fee events in the underground vaults.

The Graben, a vibrant, central thoroughfare in Vienna, originated from the old Roman encampment of Vindobona. For a long time, it was marked by a ditch (“graben” in German) in front of the city walls. In the 12th century, the ditch was filled in and the area transformed into a residential street with the expansion of the city by the Babenberg Dukes, funded by ransom from Richard the Lionheart. This expansion also retained the street's name due to the large, undeveloped areas nearby.

The city's planned extension during the Middle Ages found reflection in the differing building patterns on either side of the Graben. While the north side remained irregular with limited access, the south side developed five regular side streets, changing the landscape over time. The Graben's evolution continued as it became Vienna's main arterial road.

The Baroque Era saw the Graben's further transformation into a fashionable promenade, with significant buildings like the Arkadenhof marking its status. The 18th century brought regulations that emphasized its role as a market and social space, attracting not only the nobility but also entrepreneurs and other city elite. The 19th century made it a hub for luxury shops and eventually a key pedestrian zone by the mid-20th century.

You can start your journey at Stock-im-Eisen-Platz and make your way to the opposite end, Tuchlauben, while passing by some remarkable historic buildings. Among these are the Ankerhaus, once the residence of Otto Wagner, and the Palais Bartolotti-Partenfeld, a beloved summer residence of the renowned Baron family, to name just a few.

During your stroll, be sure to visit the Generalihof, which once served as the headquarters of the "Music Magazine" (Musikalisches Magazin), established in 1784 and responsible for the initial publication of some of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's works. As you continue down the street, you'll come across the Grabenhof, an iconic building erected in 1876 on the site of the historical Arkadenhaus, which existed since the late 16th century. Your exploration of the Graben wouldn't be complete without a visit to the ERSTE Foundation building, home to Austria's largest savings bank's headquarters (Erste Österreichische Spar Casse).

Also, don't miss the Plague Column (die Wiener Pestsäule), otherwise known as the Holy Trinity Column (Dreifaltigkeitssäule), erected by Emperor Leopold I following the Great Plague of Vienna in 1679.

While remarkable architecture is commonplace in Vienna, the majestic Saint Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) is absolutely unmistakable. A central figure in Vienna’s spiritual and architectural landscape, it was constructed on the remnants of two earlier churches, with the first consecrated in 1147. The cathedral now exhibits a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, primarily developed under Duke Rudolf IV in the mid-14th century.

The building extends over 107 meters in length and 40 meters in width, with its tallest point, the South Tower (affectionately referred to as "Steffl" – a diminutive form of "Stephen"), reaching 136 meters. This tower, completed in 1433 after 65 years of construction, served crucial defensive roles during the sieges of Vienna and housed a watchman’s apartment until 1955. Contrastingly, the North Tower remains unfinished, capped at 68 meters with a Renaissance dome since 1578.

Saint Stephen’s notable features include its vibrant, tiled roof adorned with 230,000 glazed tiles portraying symbols like the Habsburg double-headed eagle and the coats of arms of Vienna and Austria. Despite severe damage during a 1945 fire, the roof was meticulously restored, substituting the original wood with 600 metric tons of steel, enhancing its resilience and self-cleaning capability.

The cathedral houses an impressive array of bells, including Pummerin, the second-largest swinging bell in Europe, cast from captured Turkish cannons in 1711 and recast in 1951 after being destroyed. This bell, alongside others in the South Tower and the Roman Tower, marks significant religious ceremonies and daily prayers.

Saint Stephen's also harbors deep connections with notable composers like Ludwig van Beethoven, who recognized his complete deafness here, Joseph Haydn, who used to sing at Saint Stephen's as a choir boy, Johann Strauss, who married twice within these walls, and Mozart, for whom the cathedral served as both his parish church and the site of his marriage and funeral.

The interior is adorned with 18 altars, including the High Altar and the Vienna New Town (Wiener Neustadt) Altar, and features the Maria Pötsch Icon, a revered Byzantine-style depiction of Saint Mary with Jesus, credited with miraculous powers.

Saint Stephen's houses several chapels, each with unique significance. The Chapel of the Cross contains the burial of Prince Eugene of Savoy and was the site of Mozart's funeral. Saint Valentine's Chapel holds numerous relics, including Saint Valentine's bones. The cathedral also encompasses historic tombs, catacombs, and crypts, storing the remains of over 11,000 people and significant Habsburg dynasty members.

Tip:
Be sure to make a loop around the structure as there are many interesting details still visible on the outside walls.

Carinthian Street (Kärntner Straße) in Vienna is a key shopping artery and a part of the city’s so-called “Golden U” of pedestrian shopping zones, along with the Graben and Kohlmarkt. This street, with its upscale stores, traces its origins back to Vienna’s Roman era and was first documented in 1257 as Strata Carinthianorum. It historically linked the city center to the Carinthian Gate near today’s Vienna State Opera and served as a vital commercial route towards port cities like Venice and Trieste.

Named after the southern Austrian state of Carinthia, the street has undergone various name changes over the centuries. In the 19th century, it was expanded and adorned with historicist architecture, including several palaces that still stand today. The demolition of Vienna’s city walls and the extension of the street to Karl's Square (Karlsplatz) marked a period of prosperity, with the construction of representative department stores and shopping galleries.

Severely damaged during the Second World War, the Carinthian Street saw extensive post-war rebuilding, often sacrificing its historicist charm for more minimalist designs. In 1974, with the development of the Vienna U-Bahn, the street was transformed into a pedestrian zone. Today, it remains a premier shopping destination and cultural hub, housing several notable establishments including the Vienna State Opera, Palais Todesco, Palais Equitable, and the renowned Hotel Sacher. These sites, along with others like the Maltese Church and Palais Esterházy, contribute to the street’s blend of historical significance and modern-day allure.

The House of Music in Vienna, located within the historical Archduke Karl Palace, provides a comprehensive exploration of music through interactive and immersive exhibits. Opened in 2000, it spans 5,000 m², focusing on Viennese classicism, the evolution of sound, and the history of the Vienna Philharmonic.

The museum occupies a building with a history dating back to the 16th century, initially serving as an imperial foundry for cannon production. It later became the residence of Archduke Karl of Austria-Teschen, who introduced the Christmas tree tradition to the Habsburg-Lorraine House. In the 20th century, it transformed into a cultural hub and student residence, and today it includes the Museum of the Vienna Philharmonic.

Visitors enter through a courtyard, greeted by a grand piano in the entrance hall. The museum's layout includes interactive installations like the "Stairplay" piano staircase.

The first floor, formerly the residence of composer Otto Nicolai, showcases the Vienna Philharmonic's illustrious history, featuring memorabilia, concert posters, and interactive experiences, such as an hourly cinema and a waltz dice game inspired by Mozart and Haydn.

The second floor, Sonotopia, offers an interactive exhibit on sound and auditory perception, with installations exploring various sound aspects, including the Origin Room and Wave Tube. It provides interactive experiences with sound phenomena and delves into human ear anatomy and sound production.

The third floor is dedicated to Viennese Classicism, highlighting composers like Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and others through personal items, instruments, and interactive displays. It features holograms, historical musical settings, and focuses on the composers' impacts and the era's musical evolution.

The fourth floor includes the Virtual Conductor, allowing visitors to lead the Vienna Philharmonic, and a "Room of Silence" for contemplation. The museum concludes with a shop on the fourth floor, offering music certificates and sound-themed souvenirs, encapsulating a rich auditory and educational journey through Vienna's musical heritage.

The Saint Charles Church (Karlskirche), located on the southern side of the eponymous Charles or Karl Square (Karlsplatz) in Vienna, is recognized as the city's most exceptional baroque temple. This architectural marvel was commissioned by Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, in 1713 as a vow for divine relief from the plague, which was fulfilled. The church honors Saint Charles Borromeo, a key figure in the 16th-century Counter-Reformation known for his dedication to plague victims.

Completed in 1737, the church incorporates a blend of architectural styles. Its elongated dome and Greek temple-like façade are complemented by columns inspired by those dedicated to Emperor Trajan in Rome, reflecting Roman baroque influences from artists like Bernini and Borromini. These columns symbolize the vast power of the Habsburgs, likened to the mythological Pillars of Hercules.

The church has historical connections extending beyond its architecture. It is located near the burial site of composer Antonio Vivaldi, who died in 1741, and still hosts Vivaldi concerts, honoring his legacy. On May 28, 1878, Johann Strauss married his second wife at Saint Charles's. Unfortunately, the young lady wasn't keen on Strauss's music, so the marriage ended in divorce four years later. The church is also where actress Hedy Lamarr was married in 1933.

The church's interior is rich in symbolic artistry, intertwining the legacy of Saint Charles Borromeo with imperial themes. This is vividly expressed in the dome fresco, depicting an intercession scene. The church's use of marble and gold enhances the light within the space, emphasizing its majestic ambiance. The pulpit, crafted with detailed walnut carvings, also highlights the church’s historical significance, restored in 2006-2007 to its original splendor.

Tip:
You have to pay to get in (students get a discount), but it's well worth it, if only for the lovely interior alone.
A lift inside can take you close to the murals on the dome ceiling. From up there, you can also enjoy a spectacular view of the city from the dome window.

The Belvedere is a striking Baroque complex in Vienna, originally built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy. This ensemble includes the Upper and Lower Belvedere palaces, an Orangery, and the Palace Stables, all set within a meticulously designed Baroque park. This park, adorned with tiered fountains, cascades, and Baroque sculptures, encapsulates the grandeur of imperial Vienna. The complex was conceived during a time of prosperity following the end of wars against the Ottoman Empire, marking a significant phase in Vienna's architectural and cultural development.

The construction of the Lower Belvedere began around 1712, with the Upper Belvedere following shortly after, in 1717, designed to host high-profile guests and diplomatic engagements. These buildings are notable for their intricate frescoes and artworks by prominent artists of the time, such as Francesco Solimena and Carlo Carlone. Following Prince Eugene’s death in 1736, the palaces had varied uses, including hosting royal refugees from the French Revolution and serving as early public museums under Maria Theresa and Emperor Joseph II.

Post-World War I, the Belvedere was nationalized and became home to the Austrian Gallery (Österreichische Galerie) and the Modern Gallery (Moderne Galerie), showcasing both classical and modern artworks. Despite significant damage during World War II, restoration efforts from 1945 to the 1990s have preserved the complex’s historical and architectural integrity. Today, the Belvedere serves as a museum, maintaining its historical significance while adapting to modern uses.

It showcases an expansive art collection from the Middle Ages to modern times, featuring domestic and international artists. Among the exhibits is the world’s largest Gustav Klimt collection, including "The Kiss" and "Judith," alongside significant French Impressionist and Viennese Biedermeier works, making it a key cultural destination.

Tip:
To wait in a shorter line, purchase your tickets online in advance.
Make sure to leave the time to stroll through the gardens on the way to or from this wonderful palace.