The imperial Palace of Schönbrunn is protected by a preservation order, the whole ensemble, which includes the palace, the park with its fountains, statues and architectural features as well as the zoo (Tiergarten), the oldest of its kind still in use in its original function, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List at the end of 1996.
The palace and gardens illustrate the tastes, interests and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs.
The history of Schönbrunn and the buildings that preceded it on this site goes back to the Middle Ages. The whole estate had borne the name of 'Katterburg' from the beginning of the 14th century and belonged to the manor of the monastery at Klosterneuburg. In 1569 it came into imperial possession through Emperor Maximilian II.
In the 19th century one name is closely connected with Schönbrunn's, Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria. He spent the majority of his life here and died on November 21, 1916 in his sleeping room. Through the course of his reign, Schönbrunn Palace was seen as a Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art) and remodelled in accordance with its history.
After the downfall of the monarchy in 1918 the newly founded Austrian Republic became the owner of Schönbrunn Palace and preserved the beautiful rooms and chambers as a museum for the visitors.
During the Allied occupation of Austria (1945-1955) following World War II, the palace served as the headquarters for the British troops and administration. Later it was used several times for important events such as the historical meeting between John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev in 1961.
Opening Times
8.30am - 5pm
8.30am - 6pm (July & Aug)
8.30am to 4.30pm (Nov - Mar)
Prices
Imperial Tour (22 state rooms with audioguide) 9.50 Euro
Grand Tour (40 state rooms with audioguide) 12.40 Euro
Maze & Labyrinth 2.90 Euro
Gloriette & Panorama Terrace 1.99 Euro
Privy Garden 2 Euro
(Discounts for Children)
Address
Off Schonbrunner Schloss
How to Get There
U-Bahn U4 Schonbrunn
Trams: 10, 58
Bus: 10a
External Links
Schonbrunn Official Web Site
Wikipedia
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