Schönbrunn Palace, one of Austria's most important cultural monuments, is located on the outskirts of Vienna and attracts millions of visitors every year. The baroque palace was the summer residence of the Habsburgs for centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its impressive architecture, magnificent gardens, and rich history, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see for every visitor to Vienna.

Opulent Rooms and Baroque Garden Splendor:

The palace itself has 1,441 rooms, a portion of which are open to the public. Particularly noteworthy are the rooms from the time of Maria Theresa, which reflect the opulent lifestyle of the 18th century. A special highlight is the Great Gallery. This magnificent hall, with its gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes, served as a venue for balls and state banquets. Other impressive rooms include the Ceremonial Hall, where the most famous portrait of the Archduchess can be seen, the Vieux-Laque Room with precious lacquer panels from China, and the Million Room.

The palace's vast gardens are also worth visiting. Designed in the baroque style, they offer expansive walking paths, artistic fountains, and sculptures. The ascent to the Gloriette, a magnificent pavilion on a hill, rewards visitors with a stunning view of Vienna and the palace. The palace park also houses the world’s oldest existing zoo, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which is well worth a visit.

Photos: (1) Schönbrunn Palace, Great Parterre © Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Severin Wurnig; (2), small photo) Schönbrunn Palace, Great Parterre © Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Alexander Eugen Koller