visit the magnificent ... by Krystynn
visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Here's a historical account of how this palatial palace came into being. Thanks (or, no thanks??) to Emperor Leopold 1, Ruler of the then Austro-Hungarian Empire and the grandiosity of his vision, he actually commanded the great Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, the greatest architect of the Baroque era, to design a palace larger than Versailles. But fortunately for the Austrian Treasury, the Emperor balked when the architect's estimate costs came in and the Habsburg Family then settled for a more MODEST dwelling abode with ONLY 1,441 rooms!! Ahem. :-)
Well, when Empress Maria-Theresia ascended to the throne sometime in the mid-1700s (can't remember the exact date... sorry!), she had Schönbrunn Palace expanded and redecorated in French Rococo style over a half decade period. Today, the restored palace is the pride and joy of Austria and a National Monument. This palace is also an apartment house for a number of lucky Viennese. Oh, how I envy them!
Photo Below: The beautiful Schönbrunn Park.Take the Metro/ subway (U4) .... but DO NOT get off the train until you reach the station called 'Hietzing'. I was told that this is the much nicer side for here you can enter the extensive gardens through the charming 'Hietzing Gate'. Once in here, you'll come immediately face-to-face with the historical glass-and-steel Palm House. Very nice!
For some morning exercise (and don't we all need some), clamber up to the Gloriette pavilion where you can catch a panoramic view of the magnificent Palace!
