Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Palace)
Vienna's answer to Versailles, the Schönbrunn Palace was originally constructed in 1696 but extensively modified a century later. Designed by the masters of the Baroque, the von Erlachs, the 1,441-room palace was the summer residence of the Habsburgs. During the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, the buildings were finished, complete with rococo detailing. The site of lavish balls and huge banquets, the palace came to its greatest glory during the Congress of Vienna.Schönbrunn has come to represent Austria as much as the Hofburg or Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral). Franz Josef was born here, and six-year-old Mozart performed in the Hall of Mirrors. Today you can stroll through the gardens and visit the state apartments, which are furnished with antiques and ornamented with 23.5-karat gold. In the same complex, visit the Schlosstheater, where performances are still given. Also worth a stop is the Wagenburg, or carriage museum (separate fee), which contains numerous royal carriages, including a coronation coach and a child's phaeton built for Napoleon's son.
Address:
Schönbrunner Schlosstr.
Vienna
Austria
Telephone: + (1) 81113