Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

Schönbrunn Palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. It was named Schönbrunn (meaning "beautiful spring") after an artesian well located on the estate. The palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country.

Franz Joseph, the longest-reigning emperor of Austria, was born at Schönbrunn and spent a great deal of his life there. His wife, Empress Elisabeth, more commonly known as Empress Sisi, was both the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary. Her fondness for Hungary and friendship with the nobility in Budapest is credited with the peaceful formation of the Austrian Hungarian empire.

Following the downfall of the Habsburg monarchy in November 1918, the palace became the property of the newly founded Austrian Republic.Read more