Hofburg

Hofburg Palace was the imperial palace for some of the most powerful people in European history until the end of WW1. Built in the 13th century and expanded in more than 700 years since, the complex reflects of rich architectural history. The rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the monarchs of the Habsburg dynasty, made it their principal imperial winter residence.

The oldest remaining section of the palace is the Swiss Court (Schweizerhof) built during the reign of Emperor Ferdinand I in the Renaissance style. The red and black entrance to the court, the Swiss Gate (Schweizertor), displays the many titles of Emperor Ferdinand I and the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece. In this area is located the gothic Imperial Chapel (Hofkapelle or Burgkapelle), the Imperial Music Chapel (Hofmusikkapelle) and the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer). The highlight of the treasury is the Imperial Insignia of the Holy Roman Empire (Reichskleinodien). Further expansion over the centuries include various buildings, such as the Imperial Horse Stables (Stallburg and Hofstallungen), the Spanish Riding School (Hofreitschule), Amalienburg, the Austrian National Library (Hofbibliothek), and the Hofburg Congress Center.

Attractions open for visitors are: the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection. Some of the most interesting parts of the Imperial Apartments are the rooms of Emperor Franz Joseph, his wife Empress Elisabeth and Russia’s Tsar Alexander I who stayed here during the Congress of Vienna. The Sisi Museum is dedicated to Empress Elisabeth (aka Sisi). The exhibits include the Empress’ personal artefacts as well as her death mask made after her assassination in Geneva in 1898. In the Silver Collection ceremonial and everyday tableware from the Imperial Court are on display.

Today, part of the palace forms the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria.