Point of interest
Schloss Schönbrunn
in Vienna, Austria
The Habsburgs' baroque summer palace, with opulent state rooms, a vast park and the Gloriette terrace overlooking the city — a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Where it is
In the 13th district of Hietzing in the west of Vienna, about four kilometres from the city centre.
Address: 47 Schönbrunner Schloßstraße, 1130 Vienna
What it is
With around 1,400 rooms, Schönbrunn is one of Europe's most important Baroque ensembles; visitors can tour the imperial state rooms as well as the vast palace park with its Gloriette, maze and the world's oldest zoo. The park is free to enter, while advance booking is recommended for the interior rooms.
History
The palace was the summer residence of the Habsburgs and acquired its defining form under Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century. It was the last home of Emperor Franz Joseph I, who was born here in 1830 and died here in 1916. Palace and gardens have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.