If you plan to go to Vienna, then this article will be of interest to you. Now we will talk about one attraction. She, of course, is the highlight of the federal capital of Austria. All who are interested in Vienna, Hofburg also attracts. And what is this castle? We’ll talk about this now, describe in detail its history, as well as its appearance.
Famous Landmark
Hofburg (Vienna) - the magnificent splendor of the heritage of the Habsburg dynasty, located in the capital of Austria. Over the centuries-old history of their reign, family representatives left to posterity a lot of evidence of their dominance in the central power of Europe. Hofburg, which became the residence of the rulers, was built in 1278.
Nowadays, this is not only a unique architectural ensemble that combines several styles, it also contains the rarest expositions of world-famous rarities. Some researchers and travelers call the palace complex a city in the city. Scientists believe that the Hofburg Castle (Vienna) was founded on the site of an even older structure.
Palace Description
The current palace ensemble has several main components. This is a Swiss Renaissance courtyard. The chapel, which is an example of the Gothic style in architecture, in which, starting in 1498, the choir of boys, renowned throughout the world, sings.
The imperial treasury of Hofburg (Vienna) was constantly supplemented with new buildings, since each representative of the dynasty during his reign brought something new to the castle complex.
Swiss gates and stables
Ferdinand I in 1552 built the Swiss Gate, through which you can go to the square In der Burg. The square itself is a significant place in terms of history. In ancient times, it was here that people were convicted of those who were accused of certain crimes, real or imaginary. Arranged knightly tournaments, and later - military parades. On the gates themselves, built in the form of an arch, the longest list of Ferdinand's possessions was engraved in gold. The architecture of the gate was borrowed from the builders of ancient Rome. The name appeared much later, during the time of Empress Maria Theresa. Since it was at these gates that the Swiss Guard was stationed.
On the orders of Maximilian II, stables were built, which were then converted. Today they have an art gallery.
Rudolph II completed the building of the Empress, later they were named Amalienburg. When Leopold I was attached wing with ceremonial halls, it is called the Leopold wing. In addition, the famous wine cellars were equipped.
Vienna, Hofburg. The building of the Spanish Manege: description
Karl VІ is known for his contribution to the arrangement of the Hofburg. On his orders, the building of the Spanish Manege was built. It is also called the Spanish Riding School or Equestrian Ballet. And today, to the music of Schubert and Mozart, horses of the Lipitsian breed appear here. In one of the towns of the Austro-Hungarian Empire - Lipice, now it is the territory of Slovenia, Archduke Karl II bred this breed of horses. Charles VI also ordered the construction of the imperial library in 1722. A few centuries before this event, the Habsburgs began to assemble a collection of books, which became one of the richest in Europe. Emperor Charles VI built a separate building for this huge meeting.
During the time of Maria Theresa , a Burgtheater was built. Soon he became one of the famous theaters of the Old World. The theater scene has witnessed many premieres, for example, the works of the genius of Mozart.
Emperor Joseph II built Joseph Platz with an equestrian statue of the emperor.
Habsburg treasury (imperial)
Now on the territory of the residence of the emperors of Habsburg there are several museums. One of them bears a very eloquent name - the Habsburg treasury, or the imperial treasury. Here are collected signs of power of the emperors of ancient Rome, for example, the crown of the Holy Roman Empire. There are other relics of the royal authority - the imperial sword, the scepter of the Habsburgs, made, according to legend, from the horn of a unicorn. A power crowned with large gemstones. There is an exposition of treasures of the Order of the Golden Fleece. The museum houses the oldest artifact, which has tremendous energy, according to tradition. This is the so-called Spear of fate, by which one of the soldiers of Pontius Pilate pierced the body of Jesus crucified on the cross.
A cot for the offspring of the imperial dynasty, a rose bush made of gold, and many more exquisite and amazing things whose artistic and historical value is difficult to translate into a monetary equivalent. You can get to this museum by metro, having reached the Herrengasse station.
How much are the tickets?
Hofburg in Vienna can be visited from September to June, from nine in the morning until half past five in the evening. And from nine in the morning until six in the evening from July to August. A ticket for an adult costs ten euros. Children between the ages of six and sixteen can get a ticket worth six euros. If tourists want to enjoy the singing of the world famous choir of boys, then tickets must be purchased in advance.
Chapel of the palace ensemble
Among the attractions of Hofburg worth mentioning is the St. George chapel of St. Augustine's Church. It is here that the embalmed hearts of the monarchs of the Habsburg dynasty are located.
And also the marble pyramid, which is the tombstone of Maria Christina, stands out especially. She was the beloved daughter of Empress Maria Theresa. You can get into this chapel only by appointment.
Museums
What else is interesting in Vienna, Hofburg? The Papyrus Museum is located in the castle. The largest collection of ancient Egyptian papyruses is preserved here.
In total, the Hofburg Palace in Vienna accommodates about twenty-two such establishments. There is the Museum of Globes and Butterflies, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Museum of the most popular Empress Elizabeth, whom everyone called Sisi. There is a museum where silver and porcelain dishes of the imperial family are presented. One of its names is a silver pantry. In addition to rare sights, the music museum guides will offer the only record of the orchestra in the world under the direction of the Vienna Waltz maestro - Strauss.
Starving travelers do not have to leave Hofburg. On the territory of the imperial garden, not far from the greenhouse, there is a nice and cozy restaurant.
Little conclusion
Now you know what Vienna is proud of. Hofburg is a palace worth visiting. It is beautiful and interesting here. Therefore, be sure to come to Vienna.