Schloss Schoenbrunn – Famous Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna Austria

A visit to one of the most famous sights in Vienna and an insight into Austrian culture
Schoenbrunn Palace has been an ever-evolving piece of Vienna’s landscape for the past 500 years.  Located in the 13th district, the overall property was first acquired by the Archduke of Austria, Maximilian II, in 1569.  Since that time, 14 additional rulers and members of the Habsburg Monarchy have occupied the palace and left their mark on this treasure of Vienna and Austria.

The original property was home to a mansion called Katterburg, which remained in use and untouched for almost a century after being acquired by Maximilian II.  It wasn’t until the wife of Ferdinand II, Eleanor Gonzaga, was bequeathed the property after her husband’s death and added the palace to the existing mansion in the mid 1600’s, that the name “Schoenbrunn” was mentioned.  Over the next three centuries, various new styles of architecture and decoration were introduced until 1918, when the newly formed Austrian Republic took over the property and preserved it as a cultural museum piece.  Since then, it has been open to the public and is a major tourist attraction for those visiting Austria and Vienna.

More than a palace – Schoenbrunn is synthesis of style and function

The Schoenbrunn Palace itself is only a small part of what the grounds have to offer.  Other notable attractions include:

• Tiergarten Schoenbrunn – widely considered as one of the oldest Zoos in the world.
• Palmenhaus – a large greenhouse containing plants from around the world that was originally built in 1882.
• Wuestenhaus – built in 1904, this is the newest of the botanical houses and offers visitors a desert exhibit that has been open since 2004.
• Wagenburg – the museum of carriages and vehicles used by the imperial household.

Beyond these main attractions, visitors can also visit the large outdoor gardens, the Roman Ruins and a variety of other interesting sights.

The history and culture of Austria contained within these famous walls

No trip to Austria, specifically Vienna, is complete without a visit to Schloss Schoenbrunn.  To find out more information about how to reach the palace grounds, its hours and ticket prices, visit the official website of Schoenbrunn Palace.  You can even book tickets today to experience this marvellous piece of Baroque style architecture coupled with additional architecture styles utilized throughout the years by Schoenbrunn’s varied occupants.