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As you trot towards the summer residence of Hapsburg rulers, you will find yourself sighing in contentment, noting the grandness of the Schönbrunn Palace. It's listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is genuinely one of a kind. The yellow shade of the Baroque building, surrounded by the bright green parks, makes for a breathtaking sight to behold, turning the dreams of Emperor Leopold I true. Today, it may not be leading statesmen, but it still holds the same dignity as it did in the 18th century and hosts uncountable starry-eyed tourists yearly.
Keep reading as we astonish you with some astonishing facts about Schönbrunn Palace.
Schonbrunn Palace Facts
1. Started out as a hunting lodge.
In 1696, Emperor Leopold I commissioned the architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach to design a palace for his son, Joseph I. The initial intention was to use the palace as a hunting lodge, but over the years, it grew in size and became the beautiful summer residence of the Habsburg monarchy.
2. Schönbrunn means "beautiful spring"
The palace is named after the natural spring or the artesian well that once flowed through the area and provided the water stream to the court. The castle was built on a former hunting lodge site that the Habsburgs had used for centuries.
3. Houses over 1,400 rooms
Schönbrunn Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe, with over 1,400 rooms. However, only 40 of these rooms are open for public visits. Tourists can take a guided tour of the palace to see some of the most impressive rooms, including the Great Gallery, the Marie Antoinette room, the White Room, the Yellow Salon, the Bergl rooms and the Millions Room.
4. Birthplace of Emperor Franz Joseph I
Emperor Franz Joseph, I was born at Schönbrunn Palace in 1830. He would go on to become one of the longest-reigning monarchs in European history, ruling both Austria and Hungary for 68 years until he died in 1916. He created a Dual Monarchy by dividing his empire, allowing Hungary and Austria to co-exist peacefully as equal partners. His ultimatum to the country of Serbia, back in 1914, led Germany and Austria into World War I.
5. Empress Maria Theresa’s favourite
Empress Maria Theresa, the wife of Emperor Francis I, was one of the most influential rulers of the Habsburg monarchy. She was a great patron of the arts and was responsible for many of the palace's most beautiful features. Moreover, she also promoted educational, medical, financial, and institutional reforms. She also used the palace as her summer residence and spent many happy hours in the gardens.
6. Home to a popular zoo
The Tiergarten Schönbrunn, or Schönbrunn Zoo, is the oldest zoo in the world which is still up and running and is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was founded in 1752 by Emperor Franz I and has been a popular attraction ever since. The zoo has over 700 animal species, including pandas, tigers, and elephants.
7. Find a world-renowned porcelain collection here!
The palace is home to one of the largest collections of porcelain in the world. The collection includes pieces from China, Japan, and Europe and is housed in the Porcelain Room, which is decorated with beautiful blue and white tiles. This room also served as Maria Theresa's private writing room and masterfully displays the monarch's taste in chinoiserie fashion.
8. Features in several films and movies
Schönbrunn Palace has been used as a location for several films and TV shows, including the 1982 film "Mayerling," which tells the story of the tragic love affair between Crown Prince Rudolf and Baroness Mary Vetsera. Besides that, the palace has been featured in several other films like The Living Daylights (1987), Song Without End (1960), The Fifth Musketeer (1979), The Great Love (1931), and more.
9. A thing for puzzlers!
Schönbrunn Palace has an outdoor maze and labyrinth, accounting for famous attractions for tourists of all ages. The maze is made up of hedges that are over two meters tall and covers an area of 1,715 square meters. Conversely, the labyrinth comprises low fences and is designed to be more of a puzzle than a challenge. A perfect place for puzzle lovers!
10. The palace has a famous Neptune Fountain
The Neptune Fountain is one of the most famous and recognizable features of Schönbrunn Palace. The fountain was built in the 18th century in the Great Parterre, the palace's most extensive garden. The fountain is a masterpiece of baroque sculpture and features Neptune, the god of the sea, surrounded by a group of sea creatures.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Belvedere Palace Facts
What is the Schonbrunn Palace?
The Schonbrunn Palace is a former imperial summer residence in Vienna, Austria, known for its stunning baroque architecture and extensive gardens.
What is the most interesting fact about Schonbrunn Palace?
Schonbrunn Palace is the childhood home of Marie Antoinette, who was born and raised in the palace before she took the reigns of France as its queen!
Where is Schonbrunn Palace?
Schonbrunn Palace is located in Vienna, the capital city of Austria.
When was Schonbrunn Palace built?
The construction of Schonbrunn Palace began in 1696, but it has been expanded and renovated several times throughout the centuries, resulting in its current appearance as a mix of baroque, rococo, and neoclassical styles.
When did the Schonbrunn Palace open to the public?
Schonbrunn Palace was opened to the public as a museum in 1918, after the fall of the Habsburg monarchy.
Who was the architect of Schonbrunn Palace?
The primary architect and designer of Schonbrunn Palace is considered to be Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, a prominent Austrian baroque architect who designed many of the palace's key features, including the Great Gallery, the Marble Hall, and the Gloriette.
What are the most popular rooms in the Schonbrunn Palace?
Some of the most popular rooms in Schonbrunn Palace include the Great Gallery, which is the largest and most ornate room in the palace and was used for grand receptions and ceremonies, the Millions Room, which is decorated with beautiful Chinese lacquer panels, the Vieux-Laque Room, which has an opulent red and gold decor, and the Mirror Room, which was the site of Mozart's first public concert.
How old is Schonbrunn Palace?
The Schonbrunn Palace is over 327 years old, having been constructed between 1696 and 1712.