The Hofburg Palace was the Hasburg’s official winter residence. Once a medieval castle, it housed many powerful people in Austrian history from the Hasburg Dynasty, rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and now the Austrian President.
Over the years, it has been expanded to accommodate more residences, a chapel, museums, the “Österreichische Nationalbibliothek” (Imperial Library), the “Schatzkammer” Imperial Treasury, national theater, riding school, horse stables and the Hofburg Congress Center. Its architectural style has evolved from gothic to noveau. The “Heldenplatz” (square of heroes) is right next to the palace. It has statues of Archduke Karl and Prince Eugene of Savoy, both of which won battles that brought glory to Austria.
If you are travelling to Vienna, the Hofburg is a great place to visit. It houses many museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Ethnology, Papyrus Museum, Ephesus Museum, Sisi Museum, Globe and Esperanto Museum, Austrian Film Museum, Austrian Theater Museum, Albertina, Museum of Natural History and the MuseumsQuartier. Apart from these, they have a collection of arms and armor and a collection of ancient instruments. The Hofburg also has a butterfly and palm house, the Church of the Augustinian Friars and the Imperial Court Chapel where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs every Sunday during mass.
The vast compound is not only full of heritage; there are many cafes and restaurants in between the palace and the Imperial residences. The ambiance allows you to enjoy the arts with a meal or a cup of coffee. The vast parks and squares in the vicinity where you can go for a walk and enjoy the scenery. The Hofburg Palace is a cultural one-stop shop that you shouldn’t miss while in Vienna.
Image From Francisco Antunes
