Description of the attraction
The Hofburg palace complex was built in the 13th century. For seven centuries, the palace has turned into a scattered and complex architectural complex in terms of layout and style, consisting of courtyards and squares, various buildings and monuments.
Old Hofburg
The Renaissance building of the Old Hofburg served as the official residence of the Habsburg imperial family. There is a Renaissance chapel, where the famous Vienna Boys' Choir has been singing since 1498, in which Haydn and Schubert once sang.
The main Swiss gate leads to the inner square of In der Burg. Tournaments were held here, military parades and public trials were held. In the center of the square there is a monument to Emperor Franz I, and the square is framed by the buildings of the Amalia Palace, the State Chancellery and the Leopoldovsky Corps.
On the outside of the Old Hofburg is Joseph Square. This is overlooked by the National Library building and Stahlburg Palace, home to the Spanish Riding School. There are performances of Lipizzan horses.
New Hofburg and Albertina
The building of the New Hofburg was built on the eve of the First World War, when the Austrian monarchy was in its last days.
The Albertina Palace, built in 1781, is currently given over to house a collection of European graphic art. The Pallavicini Palace houses the Salvator Dali Exhibition. The Treasury contains imperial regalia, coronation robes, tunics of imperial heralds.
The Church of St. Augustine, built in the 14th century, was a palace chapel and therefore witnessed many historical events. The hearts of several rulers of the Habsburg family are kept here.
It is interesting
- The Hofburg has many museums to visit. Including: Imperial Apartments, Treasury, Silver Pantry, Ethnographic Museum, Empress Sissi Museum, Butterfly Museum, Globe Museum.
- On Sundays and public holidays, the Boys' Choir performs in the Hofburg Court Chapel. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
- Be sure to visit the Burggarten, the inner imperial garden with a conservatory. There is a small restaurant where you can recharge your batteries.
- In the chapel of St. George of the Church of St. Augustine, in addition to the embalmed hearts of the Habsburgs, which can be viewed only by appointment, the marble pyramid is noteworthy - the tombstone of the beloved daughter of Maria Theresa, Maria Cristina, made by Antonio Canova.
