Belvedere Palace: An Ode to the Habsburg Dynasty
Located in Vienna, Austria, Belvedere Palace is a beautiful Baroque-style palace that was the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. It is one of the most famous architectural landmarks of the city, and it stands as an ode to the Habsburg dynasty that ruled Austria for centuries.
History of Belvedere Palace
The history of Belvedere palace dates back to the early 18th century, when Prince Eugene of Savoy purchased land in Vienna and commissioned Italian architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt to build the palace. The construction of the palace was completed in 1723, and it became the prince’s summer residence.
The palace was named Belvedere, which means “beautiful view” in Italian, because of its stunning location atop a hill overlooking the city. It was designed in the Baroque style, with grand facades, terraces, and gardens. After the prince’s death in 1736, the palace was acquired by the Habsburgs, who used it as a summer residence and a place to host lavish parties.
Architecture of Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace consists of two separate palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere. The Upper Belvedere was built first and is the larger of the two. It features a grand entrance hall, a marble staircase, and the Marble Hall, which is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque rooms in the world. The palace also has a large garden that was designed by Prince Eugene himself.
The Lower Belvedere was completed in 1716 and is smaller than the Upper Belvedere. It consists of a courtyard, orangery, and a number of other smaller rooms. The palace also features the Orangery Garden, which is filled with statues, fountains, and lush vegetation.
Belvedere Museum
In addition to its architectural significance, Belvedere Palace is also known for its art collection. The palace houses the Belvedere Museum, which contains one of the largest collections of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum is divided into two parts: the Upper Belvedere, which houses paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, and the Lower Belvedere, which houses modern and contemporary art.
Visiting Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vienna. Visitors can explore the palace’s magnificent architecture and gardens, as well as the Belvedere Museum. The palace is open to the public year-round, and guided tours are available.
Belvedere Palace is an architectural gem that stands as an ode to the Habsburg dynasty that once ruled Austria. Its stunning architecture, art collection, and lush gardens make it one of the most beautiful places in Vienna. A visit to the Belvedere Palace will be a memorable experience that you will never forget.