Belvedere Palace: A Viennese Baroque Masterpiece

Belvedere Palace, known as "The Belvedere," is a historic Vienna landmark comprising two Baroque palaces: the Lower and Upper Belvedere. It's a top tourist destination, housing significant Austrian art collections from the medieval, Baroque, and 19th to 20th centuries.

Visitors are encouraged to buy a Combi Ticket for full access and to allocate a full day to explore the site thoroughly.

The History of Belvedere Palace

Inspired by France's Versailles, Prince Eugene commissioned the Belvedere as a summer residence after defeating the Turks. The Lower Belvedere was completed in 1716, and the Upper Belvedere followed in 1724, connected by a grand garden. The site later became part of the Imperial Court and played a role in significant historical events, including the signing of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955.

Upper Palace Highlights

The Upper Belvedere showcases the bulk of the art collection, including the Ground Floor Hall with its Atlas statues and the Marble Hall's ceiling fresco. The Carlone Hall's ceiling fresco and period furnishings are also notable.

Guided tours in Vienna

Lower Palace Highlights

The Lower Belvedere, originally Prince Eugene's residence, features an impressive Marble Hall and a Marble Gallery for Baroque sculptures. The Grotesque Hall and the Garden Pavilion are also worth visiting.

The Orangery at Belvedere

The Orangery, once a shelter for orange trees, now serves as an art exhibition hall. Note that it is closed for renovations until the end of 2021.

The Palace Stables

The former stables now house a medieval art collection, including the Medieval Treasury. However, they are also closed for renovations until the end of 2021.

The Belvedere Gardens and Fountains

The gardens, designed by Hildebrandt, feature sculptures, pools, and terraces with stunning views over Vienna.

The Winter Palace of Prince Eugene

Though not open to the public, the Winter Palace is a restored Baroque building with State Apartments available for viewing.

Art Galleries and Collections

Upper Belvedere houses art from the Middle Ages to the present, including the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt's paintings. Belvedere 21 showcases modern works and a sculpture garden.

Touring Belvedere Palace

Guided tours and workshops on art restoration are available. A half-day tour option covers the palaces' key features and gardens.

Where to Stay near Vienna's Belvedere Palace

Recommended hotels include the luxurious Hotel Sacher Wien and other highly-rated accommodations.

Tips and Tactics: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Belvedere Palace

• Dining: On-site bistros and cafes offer snacks and meals.
• Shopping: Souvenir shops are available, with online shopping as an option.
• Christmas Market: A festive event held from late November through Boxing Day.
• Access: The palace is wheelchair accessible.

Getting to Belvedere Palace

• Accessible by foot, bus, tram, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and train.
• No public parking available on-site.

Address

• Belvedere Palace - Prinz Eugen Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna, Austria
• www.belvedere.at/en

What's Nearby?

Nearby attractions include the Botanical Gardens, the Alpengarten, and the Schweizergarten, as well as the Austrian Gallery and the Museum of Military History.