Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace

Wien

95/100120 min

Schönbrunn Palace, located in Vienna's 13th district Hietzing, is a grand Baroque palace that served as the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. With 1,441 rooms, it stands as one of Austria's most important architectural and cultural monuments. The palace's history spans over 300 years, reflecting evolving tastes of successive monarchs, especially Empress Maria Theresa who significantly remodeled it in the mid-18th century. The palace complex includes extensive gardens designed in the French style, featuring the Great Parterre, the Neptune Fountain, the Gloriette pavilion atop a hill, and the world’s oldest zoo. Architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach originally designed the palace, later completed by Nikolaus Pacassi. The palace witnessed significant historical events, including the birth and death of Emperor Franz Joseph and hosting the 1961 Kennedy-Khrushchev meeting. Today, Schönbrunn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction renowned for its splendid interiors such as the Great Gallery, Bergl Rooms, and the palace chapel, alongside its lush gardens and orangeries.

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Astuce: Visitors should plan their visit in the morning to avoid crowds and consider purchasing tickets online only through official channels to avoid fraud. Various ticket options include combined passes covering the palace, gardens, zoo, and special exhibitions. The palace and gardens are open daily, with the palace accessible from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and the gardens from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Guided tours and audio guides are available to enrich the experience. Off-peak seasons offer a quieter visit, and families can enjoy the Children's Museum highlighting imperial children's lives.

Faits intéressants

  • Schönbrunn Palace has 1,441 rooms, making it one of the largest palaces in Europe.
  • The palace gardens include the oldest zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, established in 1752.
  • The Gloriette pavilion, crowning a hill behind the palace, was built in 1775 and offers panoramic views of Vienna.
  • Emperor Franz Joseph, Austria's longest-reigning monarch, was born and died at Schönbrunn Palace.
  • The palace hosted the historic 1961 meeting between U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.

Histoire

1569

The origins of Schönbrunn Palace trace back to 1569 when Emperor Maximilian II purchased the area as a hunting ground.

1619

The name "Schönbrunn" derives from an artesian well discovered by Emperor Matthias in 1619.

The initial palace was built for Eleonora Gonzaga in the early 17th century.

1695

The current Baroque palace was mainly constructed between 1695 and 1749, with major expansions by Empress Maria Theresa.

1918

It served as the summer residence for the Habsburg monarchy until 1918.

The palace sustained damage during World War II but was restored post-war.

1961

It became a museum property of the Austrian Republic, hosting notable events such as the 1961 summit between Kennedy and Khrushchev.

1992

Since 1992, it has been managed by a dedicated company responsible for its preservation and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Guide du lieu

1
Great Gallery1740s
Nikolaus Pacassi

An opulent hall used for court functions and celebrations, featuring elaborate Baroque frescoes and gilded decorations.

2
Bergl Rooms18th century
Franz Anton Maulbertsch

A series of rooms decorated with trompe-l'œil paintings by the artist Franz Anton Maulbertsch, showcasing illusionistic landscapes and architectural elements.

3
Schönbrunn Palace Chapel18th century

The palace chapel features Rococo interior design and was used for religious services by the imperial family.

4
Schönbrunn Gardens1695 and later
Jean Trehet (garden design)

Extensive Baroque gardens laid out in French style, including the Great Parterre, Neptune Fountain, orangeries, and a botanical garden.

5
Gloriette1775

A grand pavilion built on a hill behind the palace in 1775, symbolizing Habsburg power, offering sweeping views over the palace and Vienna.

Contact

Téléphone: 01 811130