Schonbrunn Palace

If you have ever seen the movie Dirty Dancing and were impressed by the massive hotel, consider a palace ten times that size, one that features close to 1,500 rooms! The Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria is not just massive but both the palace and the grounds are immaculate. The palace was built during the early part of the 18th century as a much smaller version of the Versailles. Then all around the palace is a massive botanical and zoological park, both of which have become a cultural monument.

In addition to the palace, numerous historical outbuildings have carefully been restored over the years to their original splendor. Originally, the palace, called a castle by some, was constructed as a means of rivaling the French Versailles, trying to match it in beauty and status. However, with the Versailles so incredibly large and Vienna on too small a budget, it simply could not outrank France. Even so, the Schonbrunn Palace is breathtakingly beautiful and during its early years, was used as a summer home for a number of Hadsburg rulers.


Interestingly, the Emperor Franz Joseph was born at the Schonbrunn Palace in 1830, going on to rule from 1848 to 1916. During his final days, Joseph spent his time exclusively at the Palace. After his death, the Schonbrunn Palace was turned over to the New Republic. Because of its historical value, location, design, and magnificent grounds, this Palace is considered a prized destination while in Vienna.

You can take a tour of the Palace that will guide you through the residence to include the apartment, sitting rooms, parlor, and bedroom of Maria Theresia. As you walk through, you can almost envision her son, the six-year-old Mozart, pounding out tunes on the piano for the Empress. In addition, the tour includes a look at the residence for the Imperial couple, Joseph and Sissi.

Now, most people are surprised by the gaudiness of the interior but keep in mind this is a palace and therefore, rich and ordained. For instance, there are large mirrors, crystal chandeliers, frescoed ceilings, and gilded ornaments just about everywhere you look. With this, you get a personal feel for the richness and lifestyle enjoyed by the affluent during this era. The tour will take you through just 40 rooms of the Palace, meaning 97% has still not been explored.

The parks at the Schonbrunn Palace will literally astound you by their beauty and elegance. These parks include puppet shows, all professionally orchestrated, and a number of other special theaters that the entire family can enjoy. Then, the zoo is actually the oldest in the world. Located in the southeast part of the summer resident, the Schonbrunn Zoo was built in 1760.

In 2003, the Schonbrunn Zoo was honored by becoming the permanent home to two Chinese Pandas. So well cared for were these treasured Pandas that the female gave birth. Other animals include giraffes, hippos, and baby elephants. Spending time at this palace is indeed time well spent for your visit to Vienna.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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