„Vienna is like a dream – one does not simply visit it, one falls in love with it.“ Mary Higgins Clark, Schloss Belvedere
The Belvedere Palace is impressively located on the edge of the 1st district. To be precise, this beautiful property including the large garden area is located in the 3rd district of Vienna. It consists of a total of 2 buildings – the upper Belvedere and the lower Belvedere. It contains a total of 800 years of art history. The palace invites you to marvel at the architecture and its art collection. Belvedere Palace is also a perfect location for events and weddings.
I would like to tell you something about the upper Belvedere. In principle, the upper Belvedere is the main building that we all know when thinking of the Belvedere – no matter if you are a Viennese or a tourist. By the way, for those who didn’t know, Belvedere Palace is one of the most beautiful baroque buildings in the world. It was built between 1717 and 1723 for Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the most important generals of the Habsburg Monarchy.
The upper Palace:
The upper Belvedere consists of a total of 3 floors and is the largest of the two buildings. As soon as you enter the palace, you can’t help but be amazed. The bright and impressive staircase leaves you speechless. Another highlight is the Marble Hall with the heavenly ceiling fresco by Carlo Carlone. He was one of the busiest painters of his time in Austria, Germany and Italy.
Unfortunately, not every room could be restored to its beauty after the second world war, but there is still something to discover in every room. Be it the golden decorated mirror, a precisely crafted marble statue or another ceiling painting. I also think it’s nice that every room in the museum has its own color. This gives the whole thing a noble character and increases the anticipation of the next rooms.
The most important works of art:
There are countless precious and priceless works of art in Belvedere Palace. But the most famous one that everyone knows, whether they like it or not, is Gustav Klimt’s kiss from 1908. There are so many imitations and now even a film about the infamous painting. So it’s understandable that there was the largest crowd of people in-front of this picture.
Another very well-known painting is by Jacques Louis David. Where he drew the great Napoleon at St. Bernard in 1801. A true work of art. The last painting I want to talk about today is by Claude Monet. Who painted an avenue in Monet’s garden in Giverny. An incredibly beautiful picture with attention to detail. Which you can see in every brush stroke.
The garden area:
The extensive work on the baroque exterior of the property was completed in 1718. The French garden architect was commissioned to copy the work in Versailles. No wonder that it is considered a jewel of baroque landscape architecture and is now also a world cultural heritage site. You feel somehow privileged to stroll through the landscape – almost like an aristocrat in the 1800.
The entire garden of Belvedere Palace consists of a total of 5 gardens. The palace garden, which is located between the upper and lower Belvedere and which everyone knows. The Kammergarten, Prince Eugen’s former intimate private garden. The sculpture garden, which presents the works of art by international artists. The botanical garden, which was founded especially for Maria Theresa and has hundreds of different plants, and finally the Alpine garden, which shows a valuable historical alpine plant collection.
Belvedere Palace is truly a jewel of its time, be it the building or the gardens. It is always a pleasure to enter the area. For those who perhaps don’t attach much importance to the beautiful architecture of the past, there is a café near the Upper Belvedere where you can try traditional delicacies. I also have to mention that you can visit the whole garden area for free, like most gardens in Vienna.
Overall, Belvedere Palace is worth more than just a visit. The castle offers so much more than just the extensive art collection. There are always events in the castle or outside. Special tours, workshops for all ages and even theater in the warm season. And so much more. I will definitely keep you updated.
Conclusion:
the greatest and most imperial art museum
Adress:
Prinz Eugen-Straße 27
1030 Wien
Tip:
It is always full – so true to visit it during the week
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