Once the summer retreat of Austria's ruling dynasty, this stunning palace is set among 120 hectares of land which also houses the world's oldest zoo.
Millions of visitors come to visit Schönbrunn Palace every year and, once you've set eyes on this extravagant piece of Rococo architecture and the vast estate that surrounds it, you won't wonder why. In a city of beautiful buildings, Schönbrunn stands apart and its unique attractions and beauty have earned it the status of world heritage site.
Step inside the opulent palace to catch a glimpse of the splendid surroundings that the Austrian aristocracy, including Maria Theresa and Franz Joseph, once called home. The 120 hectares of land which make up the palace grounds were bought for hunting purposes by Emperor Maximilian II and stayed in the Habsburg family for 600 years.
Leopold I commissioned the building of the enormous palace which was further added to during the reign of Maria Theresa – the empress of Austria and mother of Queen Marie Antoinette of France. The interior decor is incredibly luxurious and the 40 rooms – of an amazing 1,441 – which are open for public viewing are adorned with ornate furniture, beautiful frescoes and priceless artworks.
The Million Room contains the famous porcelain decoration of the Chinese Cabinet – make sure to catch it on your visit. Tours of the palace vary, with some taking you to all open rooms, others just to selected highlights. After you've admired the palace's opulence, take in the huge Baroque park behind the palace which is home to an 18th-century maze – always popular with younger visitors, and those young at heart!
Also a hit with the kids is the on-site Schönbrunn Zoo, which opened in 1752, making it the oldest continually running zoo in the world. You should set aside a few hours to stroll amid the lush parkland and manicured gardens, taking a break by one of the many beautiful fountains. The best views in the park are from the gloriette which sits atop a small hill. It's definitely worth the climb, and there's a café nearby where you can grab a snack or drink when you get down.
Located six kilometres from Vienna city centre, Schönbrunn Palace is well served by public transport. The estate is open every day and it's free of charge to enter. There is an admission fee for the palace and zoo.
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