Belvedere Vienna, which is a huge palace and park complex, is one of the most interesting sights of the Austrian capital. The Italian word “belvedere” means “beautiful view”. And you know, this is completely true, because from the vast possessions of the palace, spread out on the slopes of the mountain, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the streets of the Austrian capital and the Church of St. Stephen.
Structure of the complex
The Belvedere complex, often referred to as the Austrian Versailles, consists of several parts, each of which has a unique atmosphere. We offer you to take a virtual walk through the main historical monument of Vienna!
Lower castle
The story of Lower Belvedere might not have begun if not for the French Revolution, which forced the king and his relatives to seek a safe haven. It was then, back in 1714, that the Generalissimo of the Holy Roman Empire, Eugene of Savoy, commissioned the architect Johann von Hildebrandt to build a new castle. The building turned out to be luxurious! Front bedroom Prince’s room, Mirror room, huge dining room, Golden study, Marble Gallery… These places are still considered the main attractions of the Lower Palace. A few years later, the unique art collection of Emperor Joseph II was moved here, turning the Belvedere Museum in Vienna into one of the most visited corners of Austria.
Now in the halls of this castle there are several expositions dedicated to the Baroque and Middle Ages. In addition, it often hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. But even if you are not interested in painting, you should come here at least to enjoy the original atmosphere of the palace with its stucco bas-reliefs, wall paintings and frescoes by A. Martino depicting the Prince of Savoy in the form of Apollo. The real gem of the Lower Castle is the Grotesque Hall, decorated in the ancient Roman style and decorated with allegorical sculptures with distorted faces.
Upper castle
The Upper Belvedere in Vienna, whose construction was completed only in 1722, is the former representative residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and one of the oldest museums on the planet. Visitors are impressed not only by the majestic facades of the castle, decorated with huge sculptures, but also by the permanent exhibitions of works by Austrian painters of the 19th and 20th centuries (Monet, Beckmann, Van Gogh, Renoir, Schiele, Kokoschka, etc.). The main highlight of this museum is the collection of paintings by Gustav Klimt, led by the world-famous “Kiss”. Experts say that the total value of the collection of paintings in the Upper Belvedere in Vienna is estimated at billions of euros.
Due to the fact that it was here that balls and masquerades were held at one time, the central entrance to the palace passes through openwork wrought-iron gates, guarded by statues of lions with coats of arms on their paws and sculptures of cupids. The driveway, made in the form of a three-arched pavilion, is surrounded by dense green spaces, behind which you can hear the splash of a small lake. The stunning exterior of the building is complemented by a lush interior finish. But the most interesting thing is that it practically merges with the surrounding nature. To emphasize the proximity of Upper Belvedere to the surrounding landscape, the architect made the roof in the form of rounded multi-level tents, reminiscent of the surrounding hills.
It should also be noted that this part of the complex is associated with several historical episodes. So, in 1896, the famous composer and conductor A. Bruckner died in one of the rooms of the palace, and almost 60 years after this event, on May 15, 1955, in the main hall lined with red marble, an agreement was signed that ended the long German occupation and marked the beginning of Austria’s independence.
Park
The cascading three-level park, which became the first Alpine plantation in Europe, was founded in 1803 on the initiative of Archduke Johann. It is a symmetrical composition made in the best traditions of old France and connects the Upper Belvedere with the Lower One. The author of this creation was the Bavarian architect Dominique Girard.
The main distinguishing feature of the Belvedere Park is a huge number of terraces, ponds, hedges, fountains, working from April to October, and decorative compositions decorated with sculptures of nymphs, newts, sphinxes and other mythical creatures. In addition, more than 4,000 Alpine plants are planted on its territory, creating an original pattern on the lawns.
Now it is a favorite holiday destination not only for visitors, but also for the Viennese themselves. After a hard day’s work, locals come here as whole families. Some have picnics on the spacious green lawns, while others simply stroll along the park alleys, admiring the elegant architecture and wonderful landscape.
Greenhouse
The Belvedere Conservatory in Vienna, located on the grounds of the Lower Palace, was a simple winter garden. In winter, it was heated, and with the arrival of summer, the roof and southern facade were removed so that the orange trees could enjoy the warm sun rays. At that time, the Prince Eugene greenhouse was a masterpiece of carpentry, because unlike other similar structures, it had a convenient sliding structure.
Unfortunately, after the death of the Generalissimo, the orange trees were moved to Schoenbrunn, and the building itself was converted for economic purposes. The situation changed only in 1918, when the works of famous Austrian modernists, expressionists and Impressionists began to be exhibited here. So the former greenhouse turned into the National Gallery Belvedere in Vienna, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Stables
The castle’s stables deserve no less attention. Once upon a time horses were kept in them, but now the building houses the exhibition of Kuhn Malvezzi, the famous German architect. The collection of this outstanding master includes more than 150 works-from Late Gothic panels to Romanesque crucifixion. But its main asset is the altar, which reveals the forms of the Renaissance. In addition, the former stables regularly host educational exhibitions dedicated to a particular art subject and closely related to the activities of the research center.
Research Center
The Belvedere Palace in Vienna is famous not only for its rich collection of paintings, but also for its unique research center dedicated to the study and preservation of outstanding works of Austrian art. The center’s collection contains a huge number of objects created in various historical periods (from the 14th century to the present day). For a small fee, visitors can get acquainted with the collected collection, chat with the archive staff, get acquainted with the local library and view photographs from different eras of the Belvedere.
How do I get there?
The Belvedere Palace Complex in Vienna is located at Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria. There are two ways to get to it. Let’s look at each of them.
Method 1. To the Lower Castle:
- Tram No. 71 – to Unteres Belvedere;
- Trams 2 and D-to Schwarzenbergplatz.
Method 2. To the Upper Castle:
- Tram D – to Schloss Belvedere;
- Trams #18, O, bus 69A or commuter train-to Quartier Belvedere;
- From Hauptbahnhof underground station on line U1-on foot no more than a quarter of an hour.
Opening hours
The Belvedere Castle in Vienna is open to the public during certain hours.
Upper castle:
- Mon. – Thu., Sat. – Sun. – from 9.00 to 18.00;
- Fri – – from 9.00 to 21.00.
Lower castle, greenhouse:
- Mon. – Thu., Sat. – Sun. – from 9.00 to 18.00;
- Fri – – from 10.00 to 21.00.
Palace stables:
- Daily – from 10.00 to 12.00.
Research Center:
- Tues. and Thurs. – 12.00 to 17.00;
- Wed. and Fri – – from 10.00 to 15.00.
Cost of the session
Entrance to the palace complex is carried out by several types of tickets.
| Ticket name | User’s age category | Price in euros |
|---|---|---|
| Klimt TicketApplies to both locks, saving you at least€ 6 (compared to the standard rates for adults). Valid for 30 days after the first session. | AdultsIf you have a valid Vienna-Card | 22,0019,00 |
| Elderly people (over 65 years old) | 19,00 | |
| Students (19-26 years old) | 19,00 | |
| Children and teenagers under 18 years of age (inclusive) | Is free | |
| Groups of 10 or more people | 20,00 | |
| Single ticket to Upper castle | AdultsIf you have a valid Vienna-Card | 16,0013,50 |
| Elderly people (over 65 years old) | 13,50 | |
| Students (19-26 years old) | 13,50 | |
| Children and teenagers under 18 years of age (inclusive) | Is free | |
| Groups of 10 or more people | 13,50 | |
| Single ticket to Lower castle and Orangery | AdultsIf you have a valid Vienna-Card | 14,007,00 |
| Elderly people (over 65 years old) | 11,00 | |
| Students (19-26 years old) | 11,00 | |
| Children and teenagers under 18 years of age (inclusive) | Is free | |
| Groups of 10 or more people | 11,00 |
Important! For more information, please visit the official website of the castle: www.belvedere.at/en.
Useful tips
If you decide to visit the Belvedere Castle in Vienna, take note of some useful tips.
- The complex occupies a huge territory, so it is better to leave extra things in the wardrobe (one for each castle). The cost of the service is only 50 cents. In return, you will receive a special receipt that entitles you to free storage of clothing and souvenirs in the second dressing room.
- In order to relax, drink coffee and eat, it is not necessary to leave the palace. Enjoy a meal at one of the local cafes and luxury restaurants with an outdoor gallery. By the way, it is from the terrace that the best photos come out.
- The castle is good at any time of the year, but the best time to visit it is considered to be spring and summer. The park is beautiful at this time of year!
- For public transport, you should purchase a daily pass. This way you can visit not only the castle itself, but also other sights of Vienna (for example, Prater Park, Hundertwasser House or Schoenbrunn).
- Those who plan to visit the Palace Stables need to make a preliminary appointment.
- It is better to buy tickets online. In this case, they remain valid for six months from the date of purchase. The session date remains open. You can order no more than 30 pieces at a time.
Belvedere Vienna is a truly amazing place, the memory of which will surely remain in the heart of every tourist. Here everyone will find something for the soul. Art lovers – unique collections displayed in museum halls, nature lovers – the freshness of fountains and the beauty of Alpine flora, fans of royal balls – rich palace halls in which blue bloods shone. The atmosphere of the castle will take you to amazing times from which you will never want to return.