Belvedere is the summer residence of the Prince of Savoy, one of the greatest military leaders. The magnificent palace complex with extensive gardens is considered one of the finest Baroque masterpieces. In 1955, Belvedere Palace became the site of the signing of the Austrian Declaration of Independence. Today it houses the Austrian National Gallery.
Myths and facts
Its name is Belvedere, which means “ beautiful view”, Owes to its location on the hillside, from where a stunning panoramic view of Vienna and St. Stephen's Cathedral opens.
The first palace of the complex - the Lower Belvedere - was built as a living quarters in 1716 by Prince Eugene of Savoy, a successful military leader from which he managed to defeat the Turkish army in 1683. A year later, it was decided to build a second palace opposite for official receptions - the Upper Belvedere. Both buildings were designed by the famous Austrian Baroque architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt.
After the death of the childless prince, his property was sold to Anna Victoria. A few years later, the palaces were bought by Empress Maria Theresia, who wanted to place the royal collection of art in the Belvedere. In 1779, she opened the palaces and gardens to the public. At the end of the 19th century, this collection was transferred to the purpose-built Museum of Art and History in Austria.
In 1918, the Belvedere palaces became state property and became a museum. It was based on the collection of the Prince of Savoy, who was an avid patron of the arts and amassed a large collection of paintings and sculptures from all over.
What to see
In the Lower Belvedere, where the prince's apartments were located, the original setting has been well preserved, with a magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures. You can visit the Hall of Mirrors, the Golden Study, the Prince's Bedroom, the Dining Room. The highlight of the palace is the Marble Hall, decorated with stucco bas-reliefs, statues and frescoes by Martino Altomonte, who depicted the Prince of Savoy as Apollo. Also do not miss the hall of the Grotesques, painted in the Roman style, where there are sculptures with eccentrically distorted faces.
The Lower Belvedere is a museum of baroque, painting and sculpture in Austria of the 17th-18th centuries. In the neighboring palace stables there is a museum of medieval Austrian art of the 12th-14th centuries. Nearby is a greenhouse, where today more than 4000 plants are grown, representing the diversity of the Alpine flora.
The Upper Belvedere rises on top of a slope in the southern part of the park. Its solemn facades, full of sculptures representing the victory over the Turkish army, are much more impressive than the modest Lower Belvedere.
Unfortunately, in the Upper Belvedere, the original interior has hardly survived, since the building was actively used until the middle of the 20th century. The former reception and banquet halls house one of Austria's finest collections of 19th-20th century art, which includes works by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Schiele and Kokoschka, as well as the largest collection of the renowned Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.
Between the palaces is the Belvedere Garden, founded in the early 18th century in the French style. The garden has three levels, separated by two large cascades. The upper cascade consists of six pools surrounded by statues and large sphinxes - symbols of strength and intelligence. Eight muses decorate the lower cascade with a small waterfall. The statues along the stairs in the middle of the garden symbolize the twelve months.
The best time to visit the park is in spring and early summer, when the lawns bloom with intricate patterns. If you are in Vienna this time of year, be sure to visit the Imperial Garden
Belvedere is a palace and park baroque complex, a real miracle of architecture and landscape design. It consists of two palaces and a park.
The palace and park baroque complex Belvedere (Schloss Belvedere) is a real miracle of architecture and landscape design. This beautiful ensemble includes two palaces and a beautiful park.
The Lower Belvedere Palace was built in 1714-1716. The construction of the Upper Palace was completed in 1722.
The Belvedere was created by order of the commander Prince Eugene of Savoy. The magnificent complex became his summer residence. The palaces were built by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, the park ensemble was designed by the architect Dominique Girard.
Upper Belvedere
The Belvedere Art Museum in Vienna is located in the Upper Palace (Oberes Belvedere). This grandiose building used to be the reception room of the Prince of Savoy, where solemn meetings of guests and important negotiations were held. Now, under the green hipped roofs of the Upper Belvedere, priceless collections of Austrian and German art from the 19th - early 20th centuries are collected; historical canvases, paintings of the Barbizon school and French impressionists; works in the style of classicism and romance.
The cost of tickets to the Upper Belvedere:
For more information about the Upper Palace, see.
Lower palace, photo by wolf
In the Lower Belvedere (Unteres Belvedere) were the prince's living quarters. Now this palace is open to tourists and houses a museum of baroque and medieval art. Visitors are attracted by the luxurious interiors of the building: the decoration of the Marble and Mirror halls, the furnishings of the Golden Cabinet, unusual ornaments in the Grotesque hall. The Lower Belvedere complex also includes the former palace stables and a greenhouse converted into an exhibition hall.
Lower Belvedere, photo by cerotio
The cost of tickets to the Lower Belvedere:
For more information about the Lower Palace, see.
The park
Between the palaces there is a beautiful regular park, decorated with fountains, hedges, statues and water bodies. Numerous alpine plants are planted in the Belvedere Park. The palace garden is especially beautiful in May-June, when all the plants bloom in its luxurious symmetrical flower beds.
Main gate to the Upper Belvedere with lions bearing the coat of arms of the Prince of Savoy
How to get to the Belvedere palace complex?
- You can get to the Upper Belvedere:
by tram D to the stop Schloss Belvedere or 18 and O to the stop Quartier Belvedere;
by bus 69A to the Quartier Belvedere stop;
subway U1 to the Südtiroler Platz-Hauptbahnhof station;
by suburban train to Quartier Belvedere station. - Go to the Lower Belvedere, the Greenhouse, the Main Stables
take tram 71 to the Unteres Belvedere stop.
Working hours:
- you can visit the Belvedere gardens all year round, during daylight hours;
- Upper Belvedere: daily 09: 00-18: 00; Friday 09: 00-21: 00;
- Lower Belvedere and Orangery: daily 10:00 - 18:00, Friday 10:00 - 21:00;
- Parade Stables: daily 10:00 - 18:00, Wednesday 10:00 - 21:00
Belvedere-Ticket cost:
(Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere (greenhouse, Winter Palace and 21 houses) The ticket is valid for 30 days from the first visit.
For up-to-date information on opening hours and ticket prices, see the official website of the palace belvedere.at.
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Belvedere is a luxurious, snow-white palace ensemble located in Landstrasse, one of the districts of the Austrian capital. It was erected by the architect Lucas von Hildebrandt in the distant 18th century. The palace was made in the spirit of the Baroque. The palace is loved by travelers and is considered one of the key attractions in Vienna.
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The word "belvedere" itself is translated from the Italian language as "beautiful view" and means a building on a hill. The name fully justifies itself: the palace is located on a hillside, from where, indeed, an amazing view of Vienna and the temple of St. Stephen opens.
The construction of the palace complex began in 1714 by order of Prince E. of Savoy (1663–1736). Eugene was born in the capital of France, was the greatest military leader of his time and a great connoisseur of art. In 1683, under the leadership of this particular man, the Turkish army was defeated and Vienna was liberated from the siege. This was the first great victory to glorify the Prince of Savoy.
Due to the fact that Eugene did not have heirs, after his death, all the property was acquired by Anna Victoria. Several years later, the castle was bought by the Empress Maria Theresa. After that, the palace remained in the possession of the Habsburg dynasty for a long time.
Speaking of the palace ensemble, it is often called a masterpiece of the Baroque era. The castle consists of 2 buildings - the Lower and Upper Belvedere. The buildings are located opposite each other and are separated by a garden. The construction of the first was completed in 1716, the second - in 1722.
It was here in the Upper part that the declaration of independence was signed, which ended in 1955 with the occupation of Austria. Somewhat earlier, in 1941, within its walls, the signing of the Vienna Agreement on the accession of Yugoslavia to the Berlin International Treaty of 1940 took place.
Lower Belvedere
It was a living quarters. It was in this place that the prince's bedchamber was located. In addition, this building once hid the royal family who fled from the French Revolution.
In the palace you can see a dazzling marble room decorated with frescoes by the Italian painter M. Altomonte. Also in the building are located: a marble gallery, gold and grotesque halls, several bedchambers and many more different rooms. It also houses a greenhouse and a ceremonial stable that once functioned. At one time, it housed 12 of the best horses.
Upper Belvedere
Eugene made the decision to build this palace a year after the completion of the first building. The Upper Belvedere served as a representative residence and was a source of great pride for its owner. It was here that all the solemn and official receptions were held, pressing issues were resolved.
In 1776 - who at that time owned the collection of Belvedere palaces - Maria Theresa decides to transfer to this building a series of paintings that belonged to her family. The son of Joseph II helped the empress in this. Already in 1781, one of the first in the Upper Belvedere opened public museum... However, in 1891 the collection was moved to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which opened in 1889.
Garden
Between the two palaces, which are part of a single complex, a park was laid out at the time of E. Savoy (1803) on the advice of Archduke Johann. It was of fabulous beauty, and the first alpine garden in Europe. It was designed by the architect from Bavaria D. Girard.
The project was developed in accordance with the concept of the French stereometry sample. The architect placed in the park: cascades, hedges, trees, fountains and sculptures.
The palace complex in our time
Today, the National Gallery of Austria is located in the Belvedere. The collection of Austrian art is colossal in size. The collection includes exhibits from the Middle Ages to the present.
Since 1903, the Lower Belvedere has housed a gallery with the unambiguous name "Contemporary Gallery". The stable and the greenhouse of this building are also reserved for painting. It has preserved the old setting and, of course, there is an opportunity to admire the many skillfully designed rooms.
The Upper Belvedere contains the best artistic and sculptural works of the 19th – 20th centuries: Schiele, Klimt, Fendi, Amerling, Kokoschka and many others.
Unfortunately, the original appearance of the garden has not been preserved. However, this does not make it less interesting for modern tourists. In the garden today there are over 4 thousand different representatives of the alpine flora. Best time to visit the Belvedere to enjoy the alpine garden - spring and summer. During this period, many plants bloom, creating a unique pattern on the lawns.
Belvedere Palace in Vienna is deservedly considered one of the most interesting in the capital. It is visited annually by tens of thousands of tourists from the most different corners the world. And this is not surprising, because the Belvedere is considered one of the truly delightful masterpieces erected in the city. Vienna is justly proud of this palace complex. Today we offer to get to know this place better, having learned about its history, appearance and interesting details. So, Belvedere Palace!
Sights history
Construction began in 1716 summer residence (intended for the famous commander - Prince Eugene of Savoy) called Belvedere. Vienna was very proud of its hero, who made a huge contribution to the fight against the Turkish troops. And the structure had to correspond to the high status of the latter. Translated from the Austrian "belvedere" means "beautiful view". The palace owes its name to its location on the slope of a hill, from which a breathtaking view of the city opens up, and Lucas von Hildebrandt became the main architect of this building.
At first, it was planned to build only one palace, which later became known as the Lower Belvedere. In this building, as already mentioned, the Prince of Savoy was supposed to spend time in the summer. However, a year later, it was decided to build a second palace, intended for official receptions. It was located opposite the first building and was named the Upper Belvedere.
Change of ownership and further history
As you know, Evgeny Savoysky did not have children. After the death of the prince, the Belvedere (Vienna) belonging to him was bought by Anna Victoria. A few years later, the palace changed its owner again. This time it was hosted by the Empress, who planned to place the royal art collection here. She carried out her idea, and in 1779 ordered the palaces and adjoining gardens to be opened for the general public. At the end of the 19th century, the collection stored in the Belvedere was transported to the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Austria, specially built for this purpose.
What is the further fate of Belvedere Castle? Vienna in 1918 received it into municipal ownership, and the complex was given the status of a museum. The basis for this was the collection of canvases, statues and other masterpieces that belonged to Prince Eugene of Savoy. After all, he was not only a talented military leader, but also a passionate patron of the arts, who during his life collected an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings from different parts of Europe.
In 1955, the Belvedere (Vienna) played an important role in the life of the whole country. Indeed, it was within its walls that the Declaration proclaiming the independence of Austria was signed.
Today, the former residence is visited annually by thousands of tourists from different countries... In the very same palace complex is the Austrian National Gallery.
Lower Belvedere
As we have already mentioned, the complex consists of two palaces and a garden. So, in the Lower Belvedere several centuries ago, the apartments of the Prince of Savoy were located. The luxurious original setting with an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures has survived to this day. Walking through the palace, you can look into the prince's bedroom, dining room, Hall of Mirrors and the Golden Study. The real pearl of the Lower Belvedere is the Marble Hall, which is decorated with stucco bas-reliefs, statues and frescoes depicting the Prince of Savoy as Apollo. The hall of the Grotesques also deserves attention. It is decorated in an ancient Roman style and features amazing sculptures with distorted faces.
In general, the Lower Belvedere is a museum and painting of Austria of the 17-18 centuries. Nearby are the palace stables, which today houses a museum of Austrian art from the Middle Ages. Also near the Lower Belvedere there is a magnificent greenhouse, where a huge variety of alpine flora is presented.
Upper Belvedere
The Upper Belvedere Palace rises majestically on top of a slope in the southern part of the park. Visitors are greatly impressed by its richly decorated facades with a large number of sculptures, personifying the victory over the Turks, to which the first owner of the palace, the Prince of Savoy, made a huge contribution.
As for the interior decoration, due to the fact that the halls were actively used until the middle of the last century, the original interior has hardly been preserved here. Today in the Lower Belvedere you can admire the collection of Austrian art of the XIX-XX centuries, represented by the works of Monet, Van Gogh, Schiele, Kokoschka, Renoir, Klimt.
Garden
The area between the palaces is occupied magnificent garden... It has three levels, which are separated from each other by two large cascades decorated with beautiful sculptures.
Belvedere, Vienna: how to get there
It's not difficult to come to Belvedere on your own. So, if you want to visit the Upper Palace, then take tram D (stop Schloss Belvedere) or O (stop Belvedere Quartier). You can also get to the last station by bus 69A. In addition, Belvedere can be reached by metro (line U1) and by commuter train... As for the Lower Belvedere, tram 71 goes to it. You need to get off at the Unteres Belvedere stop.
Belvedere (Vienna): opening hours
The Belvedere Gardens are open to the public all year round during the day. The Upper Palace can be accessed every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The Lower Belvedere and the stables work according to the same schedule. However, the entrance to the territory of these structures is open on Wednesdays from 10 am to 9 pm. As for the cost of the ticket, for adults it is 30 euros, and for students - 25 euros. Purchased tickets are valid for thirty days from the first visit to the palace complex.
Daria Nessel | Oct 5, 2018
Belvedere is a gallery that is considered one of the most luxurious complexes in the Austrian capital. To build such a structure is the decision of Prince Eugene of Savoy, which he made in the 18th century. It was built by 1725.
Today, the Belvedere Gallery consists of the Lower and the Upper Belvedere. Between them there are French-style gardens. How pleasant it is to spend time in them!
The Belvedere Gallery is considered one of the most visited buildings in Vienna, which is proved by tourists over and over again every year. Tens of thousands of visitors come here every day to see all this with their own eyes, study and consider in more detail.
Evgeny Savoisky - the creator of the Belvedere Palace
Everyone knows that Savoy created the Belvedere Gallery, but almost no one knows the history of this figure. It began when Evgeny Savoysky was 19 years old and he ended up in Vienna. From the very birth he belonged to the aristocracy, but never enjoyed particular popularity among the nobility.
Recognition came to him a little later, after he began to participate in battles and win. As a result, Eugene is one of the richest people of his time. Few have heard that he even defeated the Ottoman army, for which he was knighted.
Under end of XVII centuries he came to the Habsburgs and led their service. After some time, Savoy became a field marshal, and later a truly wealthy man.
Now he has many opportunities and the first thing he does is give the order to build luxurious palace in Vienna. The project belongs to Lucas Hildebrand - famous architect... Today the construction is occupied by the Austrian finance ministers. The resulting structure has incredible architectural forms and was previously called By the winter palace... Summer Belvedere was built a little later.
Lower Belvedere
At the beginning of the 18th century, Savoy bought the territory, which at that time was located outside the city. There he began to build the Lower Belvedere, which also corresponded to the architectural plan of Lucas.
Absolutely all the rooms that were planned in the Belvedere Gallery were agreed with Eugene: the front bedroom, the Mirror cabinet, the Marble gallery and the hall of the same name. The paintings that were later hung on the walls depicted the battles in which the prince himself participated, as well as those in which he won victory. Among them were works where you could see the defeated Turks. The sculptures that are placed in different rooms are all dedicated to ancient heroes and are made of marble.
The Lower Belvedere is open today as a Baroque-style museum. Inside you can see the Donner fountain and other interesting things.
This palace often hosts temporary events as well as permanent exhibitions of great artists.
To get to the Upper Belvedere, you need to stroll through the French-style park. It is decorated not only with statues of antiquity, but also with sphinxes and fountains.
Upper Belvedere
The construction of the Upper Belvedere began in 1721. When he was brought to mind, he did not receive guests, unlike the Lower Belvedere. This part of the gallery had a different purpose - to host balls, meetings and various receptions.
