Schloss Schönbrunn description

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is one of the most significant and magnificent Baroque complexes in Europe. As the former summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family, the complex reflects centuries of imperial history, architectural splendour and cultural heritage. Together with the extensive palace grounds, the complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

1. History and Origins

The roots of the site date back to the 14th century. Originally, there was an estate on this site called ‘Katterburg’, which was owned by Klosterneuburg Abbey. In 1569, Emperor Maximilian II acquired the estate to use it as a hunting ground and pheasantry.

According to legend, during a hunting trip in 1612, Emperor Matthias discovered a refreshing spring on the grounds and exclaimed enthusiastically: ‘What a beautiful spring!’ – an anecdote that gave the palace its present-day name.

Following the destruction caused by the Second Turkish Siege of Vienna (1683), Emperor Leopold I commissioned the Baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach to design a new ceremonial residence for the heir to the throne, Joseph I. Fischer’s original plans envisaged a gigantic structure intended to eclipse Versailles. However, for financial reasons, the project was scaled down considerably and construction began in 1696.

2. The redesign under Maria Theresa

Schönbrunn Palace owes its current iconic appearance largely to Empress Maria Theresa. From 1743 onwards, she had the unfinished complex fundamentally remodelled and extended by the court architect Nikolaus Pacassi.

Pacassi transformed the hunting lodge into a stately residential palace:

Façade: The building was given the characteristic ‘Schönbrunn yellow’, which became the hallmark of many buildings in the Habsburg Monarchy during the 19th century.

Interiors: The halls were designed in the elegant Rococo style, characterised by white-painted walls with gilded details, precious tapestries and imposing crystal chandeliers.

Theatre: The Schönbrunn Palace Theatre was built in the west wing, where works by Mozart and Haydn were performed.

3. Architecture and Interiors

The palace comprises a total of 1,441 rooms, of which around 40 are open to the public as part of guided tours. The interior design illustrates the transition from the Baroque through the Rococo to the Biedermeier period.

Notable state rooms:

Grand Gallery: The centrepiece for court receptions and balls. The hall, almost 40 metres long, is characterised by gilded stucco work, huge mirrors and ceiling frescoes by Gregorio Guglielmi, depicting the glory of the Habsburg Monarchy.

Small Gallery: Used for smaller family celebrations and private audiences.

Hall of Mirrors: A place steeped in history: it was here that the six-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart gave his first concert before Empress Maria Theresa in 1762.

Chinese Cabinets: The Oval and Round Cabinets bear witness to the court’s enthusiasm at the time for Far Eastern porcelain and lacquerwork (Chinoiserie).

Million Room: A room panelled with precious Indian and Persian miniatures, framed by fine rosewood. It is regarded as one of the most valuable Rococo rooms in the world.

Sample Room (Napoleon Room): During the French occupation of Vienna in 1805 and 1809, Napoleon Bonaparte used the palace as his headquarters. His only legitimate son, the Duke of Reichstadt, lived and died here in 1832.

4. Schönbrunn in the 19th and 20th Centuries

In the 19th century, the palace was closely associated with Emperor Franz Joseph I, who was born at Schönbrunn in 1830. He used the palace as his principal residence and also spent his final years there until his death in 1916. Together with his wife, Empress Elisabeth (‘Sisi’), he shaped the perception of the palace right up to the present day.

With the end of the monarchy and the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918, ownership of the palace passed to the Republic of Austria. Today, it is managed by Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H.

5. The Palace Park and its attractions

The extensive park was laid out from 1753 onwards by Jean-Nicolas Jadot and Adrian van Steckhoven in the French Baroque style. It covers an area of around 160 hectares.