Schönbrunn Palace and the huge park nearby is one
of the most important cultural monuments of Austria. The
Schonbrunn Castle was built to rival the famous French Versailles in
Baroque beauty and importance but House Habsburg lacked funds to
beat its rivalling nation France.
Emperor Franz Joseph was born in Schönbrunn
Palace in 1830 and spent his last years of his life entirely in
Schönbrunn. In 1918, Schönbrunn Palace became the property of the
new republic of Austria. Due to its historical importance, its
beautiful location and gardens, Schönnbrunn Palace is one of the
very top sights in Vienna. Also, the entire complex was added
to the UNESCO's world cultural heritage list.
A tour of the Schönbrunn Palace and a chance to see the magnificent
apartments of Maria Theresia, her sitting rooms, bedroom and the
saloon in which 6 year old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart used to play for
the Empress, as well as the parlours and apartments of Imperial
couple Franz Joseph and Sissi is a must in Vienna. The interior of
the palace is an orgy of frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers,
huge mirrors and gilded ornaments. When you are exhausted
after visiting almost 40 rooms, bear in mind that you have seen less
than 3% of the palaces' 1441 rooms!
Schönbrunn palace also features a palm house (with 3 climate zones
and plants stemming from rain forests from all continents) and a
Tirolian Garden built by the Archduke Johann.
Somewhere hidden in the extensive parks of the Schönbrunn Palace,
you can find a very special theatre, a puppet show... Professional
productions with elaborate puppets and stage settings guarantee a
joyful evening at the Schönbrunn Palace.
