Belvedere Palace in Vienna Will Take Your Breath Away

The Belvedere Palace in Vienna will take your breath away. It’s one of those magnificent palaces in Europe that is as fascinating as its history. The palace compound has two Baroque palaces: the Orangery (Upper Belvedere) and the Palace Stables (Lower Belvedere).

Between these two palaces are wonderful and well-manicured gardens. It’s free to go into the palace ground, but if you decide to go inside these palaces, you have to pay. I was not able to go inside because I arrived at 5:30 PM, and they closed at 4 PM.

Here’s what I found out about the Belvedere Palace in Vienna.

It was built as a summer home.

In the 18th century, Johann Lukas Von Hildebrandt constructed this magnificent palace for Prince Eugene of Savoy. Not a home apparently, but a colossal palace solely built for Prince Eugene’s leisure in summer.

Although it is located inside Vienna, it wasn’t always like this. Back then, the city was a small walled area, and this palace was situated outside its premises – outside the city gate. This palace is home to the works of the master artists.

The castle is lined with beautiful portraits from the Middle Ages. More than this, what really attracts tourists from around the world is the largest collection of Gustav Klimt adorning its halls and museum. Schiele and Kokoschka’s masterworks are also honored here.

Outside, you will find amazing sculptures that demand your attention, and the gardens are still the same.

There is a lavish garden between the Upper and Lower Belvedere that D. Girard designed. They are almost untouched design-wise; thus, they retain the same character as they did decades ago.

One of the most visited attractions in Vienna

Vienna also has other attractions, but tourists find this palace and Schonbrunn Palace irresistibly appealing. It receives so many tourists per year.

If you are in Vienna for a day, this palace is within walking distance from the main train station. It has been restored several times.

The current pomp and show of the palace are because the authorities maintain it. Had it not been for them, it would have been destroyed completely by the 1945 war and the 1950 fire. Lower Belvedere is the most important place you must visit.

Prince Eugene had a liking for the Lower Belvedere, and therefore, his apartments or residential rooms are located there. The once-operational stables are now used to display 150 precious objects belonging to the medieval ages.

Hostel / Hotel in Vienna

I stayed at a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof, just 5 minutes walk from Vienna Central Train Station. You can book it via Booking.com, HostelWorld, and Expedia. 

I intended to stay here because I had an early train going to Bratislava. The room I was assigned was very spacious, and bunk beds were arranged comfortably. The staff members are friendly, and the hostel itself is clean. Since it’s close to the station, there are cafes and grocery stores in the area, and very accessible to public transport. If you’re not on a budget, here are some hotels where you can stay.