Vienna, Schönbrunn: attractions and photos

This palace and park ensemble is the main attraction of Vienna. The most popular tourist destination of the capital of Austria, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, annually receives about two million tourists.

The residence of the Austrian emperors, built in the Baroque style, is incredibly proud of Vienna's special elegance. Schoenbrunn without exaggeration can be called the main rival of Versailles. The magnificent architectural complex, which includes the majestic palace, the picturesque garden and the zoo, is an authentic pearl of the art of architecture.

Ancient legend

In the XIV century, on the site of the most famous cultural monument of Austria was a small monastic estate, which came into the possession of the powerful monarchy of the Habsburg dynasty. An ancient legend says that the hunted emperor Matvey unexpectedly stumbled upon a transparent spring, quietly murmuring among the green thickets. The enthusiastic ruler could not resist the manifestation of feelings and cried out: "Schone Brunnen!", Which translates as "a wonderful source". So this phrase and became the name of the future castle of the Austrian monarchs.

History of the construction of a luxurious palace

At the end of the XVII century, after the attack of Turkish troops, the building suffered quite seriously and required restoration. It was decided to build a new palace, more luxurious than the previous one. The invited architect took as the basis of a large-scale project the magnificent residence of the "sun king" - Versailles.

The work was boggling, and already in 1728 the most beautiful Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna became the residence of the Emperor Charles VI, who after a few years gave the castle to his daughter - the Archduchess of Austria Maria Theresa. According to her, the official residence, which has become the center of the political life of the country, is becoming overgrown with new buildings.

There is a theater that gives performances for noble persons, office space, a mezzanine. By the order of Maria Theresa , the arrangement of the garden and park area begins.

The husband of the Empress suggested erecting greenhouses into which rare plants and exotic flowers were brought from different parts of the globe. Fascinated by botany and zoology, he dreamed of gathering animals and birds in one place that would feel free in conditions of bondage. So, in the 18th century the first large zoo in Europe is being built.

From the affairs of bygone days to the present

Unfortunately, after the death of the Empress, the palace complex, used only as a summer residence, comes to desolation, and after the repair works many premises are deprived of magnificent decoration. And it was only during the reign of Franz Josef , who was permanently living in the palace, that a new era began in the history of the ancient castle.

During the Second World War, the cultural capital of Europe - Vienna - suffered greatly from the bombing of the fascists. Schönbrunn did not escape the sad fate of other architectural monuments, and after the end of hostilities in the castle, the British headquarters is located. Twenty-four years ago, a private company took over all the costs of restoring an outstanding landmark of world significance, now available for tourists.

The greatness of the architectural masterpiece

The palace, consisting of more than 1400 rooms and offices, evokes a sense of admiration for all visitors. However, tourists will be able to see no more than forty rooms, but even this is enough to make sure of the greatness of the historical monument, which the charming Vienna considers to be its visiting card. Schönbrunn, which belonged to the Habsburg dynasty, gives everyone an opportunity to appreciate the unique skill of the architects who created the stunning masterpiece of art.

The main trouble is lack of time

The guests of the palace are waiting for truly luxurious halls and galleries, a wonderful park with many sculptures and fountains, the oldest in Europe zoo, a Japanese garden and much more. By the way, the old Schönbrunn (Vienna) offers tourists memorable entertainment for adults and children, which can not be overlooked.

Therefore, it is recommended to stock up on time, and seasoned tourists admit that even two days is not enough to inspect all the sights of the former residence.

Mirror Hall

So, an exciting journey through the palace, where ancient history comes to life, begins, and on the way of tourists there is the first hall with a lot of mirrors visually enlarging the space. During the reign of Maria Theresa, they swore allegiance, and the young Mozart first addressed his empress.

Visitors will be surprised by the unusual beauty of Chinese vases and the altar in the hall dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Large gallery

You can not pass by two wonderful halls, considered the most luxurious in the residence. Impressive in its size, the Grand Gallery is a huge front door of the palace. Designed for meetings with foreign guests and lavish balls, she admires the stunning interiors. High rounded windows, large mirrors in the original frames, gold finish, decorated with bright wall murals, painted ceiling make all visitors stop to enjoy genuine art.

Small gallery

In the second room adjoining the Grand, there were festive banquets and musical concerts that delighted the ears of the emperors. Here there are marble busts of empresses, and unusual chandeliers carved from wood and covered with gilding, cause a feeling of admiration.

Despite the small size, the Small Gallery is not inferior in the chic design of the Big. Sunlight, flooding in the morning, gives the room a truly unreal look. It seems that the liquid gold flows down the walls and chandeliers, and the hall turns into a dwelling of the gods.

From the windows of the Small Gallery guests can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the well-kept park.

The Cabinet of the Emperor

The next room, which requires an inspection, is called the Worker. This is the favorite office of the great Emperor Franz Joseph, who breathed life into Schönbrunn Castle in Vienna. The room looks very modest, without any special frills. Such conciseness and simplicity speak of the tastes of an important politician who basically refused luxury.

Here you can consider some things for personal use and the posthumous portrait of the emperor.

Sisi's Room

From the personal cabinet of Franz Josef, visitors go to the room that belonged to his wife, the famous Sisi. The first beauty of Austria Elizabeth of Bavaria was considered the standard of femininity and was very afraid of aging. The princess, who survived many tragedies, died at the hands of a terrorist in 1898. In her chambers, decorated with French silk, a sculpture of a sad Empress was installed, the charm of which was admired by the whole of Vienna. Schönbrunn is the place that Elizabeth loved incredibly.

Millionth Hall

Well, the most interesting hall by right is Millionniy, for its decoration it is called the pearl of the majestic palace. Wonderful panels of rosewood and gold finish delight even many travelers who have seen.

Park complex

After a cognitive tour of the majestic monument of Austria, tourists go to the wonderful park of Schönbrunn in Vienna, which is directly behind the palace. Amazing beauty of living arches of climbing plants, colorful flower beds, stylishly decorated gardens, whole galleries of blossoming roses give endless pleasure to the gaze of the guests of the capital.

The regular park, established in the beginning of the XVIII century, recognized as a real decoration of the palace complex, occupies more than 160 hectares. In the green oasis, the geometric clarity of all the lines is clearly traced, and at the intersections of flat alleys there are fountains that are amazing with the beauty of the water jets. In the most famous pavilion, the marble nymph, holding an amphora, attracts the eye, from which flows the very source that gave the name to the architectural ensemble.

In the park there are two paid gardens, but the tangled labyrinth of boxwood bushes and a greenhouse with citrus plants can not be ignored.

What else to see?

Guests who visited the national treasure of Austria, talk about the impressive man-made ruins, symbolizing Carthage, destroyed by the Romans. This is a silent reminder of the power and might of the Austrian emperors.

And when you see the obelisk dedicated to the Habsburg dynasty, everyone is breathtaking: a monument adorned with relief images rests on the backs of huge turtles.

The exotic Japanese garden is as if created for meditation: a quiet pond surrounded by green mosses and marvelous plants evokes a sense of peace. Here you can succumb to the charms of a cozy place and calmly relax from all worries.

Local guides recommend visiting an amazing culinary show, taking place in a restaurant located near the entrance to the palace. A paid presentation of the best cooks, baking for 20 minutes a fragrant apple strudel with subsequent tasting, enjoys constant success with all guests of the castle.

The first zoo in Europe

The imperial zoo Schönbrunn in Vienna is a new stop on the tourist route. To be in the palace and not to visit the living quarters is impossible. Significantly expanded its borders over several centuries, the zoo is famous throughout the world.

The huge territory of the zoo, where about 4,5 thousand animals and birds live, can not be avoided in one day. Experienced tourists give advice to come here in early summer, when the animals appear in the offspring. Watching lovely frolicking cubs is a pleasure!

In the zoo there are several cafes where you can refresh yourself after a long journey, and playgrounds for children. And the unique pavilions "House of Jungle" and "Polarium" will take all the guests to the fascinating world of adventure.

Schönbrunn, Vienna: how to get there?

The Schönbrunn station, which houses the palace and park ensemble, can be reached by public transport and metro.

Trams numbered 10 and 58 will take everyone to the desired stop, the bus No. 10A reaches it. And those who choose the subway, you need to take a train plying the U4 branch.

Schönbrunn (Vienna), whose photo can not convey the grandeur of the architectural monument, offers all guests of the capital a large number of entertainment for every taste. Visiting the city's sights will give unforgettable impressions and the desire to again come to the cultural treasury of Austria.