Belvedere Palace | Vienna

Belvedere Palace is one of the most magnificent and historically significant landmarks in Vienna, Austria. It is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and consists of two main palaces, the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere, along with a vast and beautifully landscaped garden that separates the two structures. The palace complex is not only a masterpiece of Baroque design but also a key cultural and historical site in Austria, housing world-renowned art collections and offering breathtaking views of the city.

History of Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace was originally constructed as a private residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the most famous military commanders in European history. The construction of the palace began in 1714 and was designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, a prominent Baroque architect. The palace complex was designed to serve both as a private residence and a symbol of Prince Eugene’s immense wealth and power.

• The Upper Belvedere: Completed in 1723, the Upper Belvedere was intended as the primary residence of Prince Eugene. It was designed to be a luxurious home with a grand appearance, reflecting the wealth and status of its owner. The Upper Belvedere’s design emphasizes light, air, and open space, making it one of the finest examples of Baroque palace architecture in Europe.
• The Lower Belvedere: The Lower Belvedere, completed in 1716, served as a reception hall and secondary residence for the prince. It also housed a collection of works of art and treasures. While the Lower Belvedere was less grand than the Upper Belvedere, it was still lavishly decorated, with expansive rooms and ornate details.
• The Gardens: Between the Upper and Lower Belvedere lies the stunning Belvedere Gardens, designed in the classic Baroque style, with perfectly symmetrical paths, fountains, and sculptures. The gardens were designed to highlight the palace’s grandeur, with a series of terraces, a large central fountain, and a formal layout that creates a sense of grandeur and elegance.
• Post-Prince Eugene Era: After Prince Eugene's death in 1736, the palace complex was inherited by the Habsburgs, and the Belvedere became the property of the Imperial family. Over the years, the palace was used for various purposes, including as a museum and a venue for state ceremonies.

Architectural Features of Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and both the Upper and Lower Belvedere feature unique and striking design elements that reflect the opulence and power of their original owner, Prince Eugene.

Upper Belvedere

• Facade and Architecture: The Upper Belvedere's facade is a magnificent example of Baroque design, with classical columns, statues, and intricately decorated windows. The building’s design incorporates both symmetry and grandeur, with large windows that offer views of the surrounding gardens and the city of Vienna.
• Interior Design: Inside, the Upper Belvedere is equally opulent, with its high ceilings, marble columns, frescoed ceilings, and elegant rooms. The rooms are designed with an airy and light atmosphere, with the architectural elements emphasizing openness and grandeur. The interiors include a grand staircase and ornate rooms designed to impress guests and display the wealth of Prince Eugene.
• The Marble Hall: One of the most stunning features of the Upper Belvedere is the Marble Hall (Marmorsaal), which is known for its high ceiling and luxurious marble decorations. The hall is used for concerts and other events and remains one of the most beautiful rooms in the palace.

Lower Belvedere

• Facade and Design: The Lower Belvedere is more modest in size compared to the Upper Belvedere but is still a striking example of Baroque architecture. The Lower Belvedere’s facade is similarly grand, with intricate detailing and elegant proportions. The building features a Rococo touch in its design, reflecting the time period after its construction.
• Interior: The interiors of the Lower Belvedere include several rooms that were used for receptions and official events. These rooms are decorated with beautiful frescoes, wooden paneling, and stucco work. The building also houses the Prince Eugene Museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of the palace’s original owner.

The Gardens

The Belvedere Gardens are an integral part of the palace complex and are considered one of the finest examples of Baroque landscaping. The gardens are laid out in a geometric pattern with long, symmetrical paths, fountains, and ornamental sculptures. Key features of the gardens include:

• The Upper Terrace: The Upper Belvedere is connected to the gardens by a large terrace that provides stunning views of the lower levels of the garden and the surrounding city. The terrace is lined with statues and fountains, creating a grand and majestic atmosphere.
• The Central Fountain: The central fountain of the garden, located between the Upper and Lower Belvedere, is an impressive Baroque-style feature with water cascading down a series of steps. The fountain is flanked by sculptures representing gods and mythological figures, adding to the classical aesthetic of the garden.
• The Orangery: The Orangery at the Lower Belvedere is another beautiful feature of the gardens. It was originally used for growing citrus trees during the colder months and now houses temporary exhibitions and events.
• The Upper Belvedere Garden: The Upper Belvedere is surrounded by expansive gardens that contain geometrically arranged flower beds, trimmed hedges, and pathways leading to sculptures and fountains. The gardens were designed not only to showcase the palace’s grandeur but also to create a space of calm and beauty in the heart of Vienna.

Art Collection and Museum

Today, the Belvedere Palace houses some of Austria's most important art collections, making it a key cultural and artistic landmark in Vienna.

The Belvedere Museum (Upper Belvedere)

• The Upper Belvedere is home to the Belvedere Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Austrian art, from the Middle Ages to Contemporary Art. The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of Austrian Baroque paintings and works from the 19th century, but it also features masterpieces from other periods.
• The Klimt Collection: The Belvedere is particularly famous for its collection of works by Gustav Klimt, including his most famous painting, "The Kiss". The museum holds an impressive collection of his works, making it a key destination for art lovers interested in Klimt and the Vienna Secession movement.
• Other Works: The museum also houses works by other notable Austrian artists such as Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller. Additionally, it has collections of medieval art, Baroque paintings, and contemporary art.

The Belvedere 21 (Lower Belvedere)

• The Lower Belvedere houses the Belvedere 21 museum, which focuses on modern and contemporary art. The museum is dedicated to presenting cutting-edge works by Austrian and international artists and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.
• Prince Eugene Museum: Additionally, the Lower Belvedere is home to the Prince Eugene Museum, which contains an exhibition about the life and achievements of Prince Eugene of Savoy. The museum showcases his personal art collection, as well as objects and artifacts related to his military career and influence on European history.

Visiting Belvedere Palace

• Opening Hours: Belvedere Palace is open year-round, though it may be closed on certain public holidays. The museum, gardens, and other sections of the palace complex are accessible to visitors throughout the week.
• Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for visitors who wish to learn more about the history, architecture, and art collections of the palace. These tours provide fascinating insights into the life of Prince Eugene and the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy.
• Admission: Admission fees apply for the museum collections, with separate tickets required for the Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere. The gardens are free to visit, and the complex provides discounts for students, seniors, and groups.

Conclusion

Belvedere Palace is not only one of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in Vienna but also a vital cultural institution. With its stunning architecture, expansive gardens, and world-class art collections, Belvedere is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Austrian history, culture, and art. Whether you are admiring the works of Gustav Klimt, exploring the grandeur of the Baroque palaces, or simply strolling through the beautiful gardens, Belvedere offers a rich and unforgettable experience.