Vienna, Hofburg: description, history and interesting facts

If you plan to go to Vienna, then this article will be interesting to you. Now we will talk about one sight. It, certainly, is a highlight of the federal capital of Austria. Anyone interested in Vienna, the Hofburg also attracts. And what is this castle? We will now talk about this, we will describe in detail its history, as well as its appearance.

Famous landmark

Hofburg (Vienna) - the magnificent splendor of the heritage of the Habsburg dynasty, located in the Austrian capital. During the centuries-old history of their rule, family representatives left to their descendants many evidences of their domination in the central power of Europe. Hofburg, which became the residence of the rulers, was built in 1278.

Nowadays it is not only a unique architectural ensemble that combines several styles, it also contains rare expositions of world famous rarities. Some researchers and travelers call the palace complex a city in the city. Scientists believe that the castle Hofburg (Vienna) was laid on the site of an even more ancient structure.

Description of the palace

The current palace ensemble has several main constituent parts. This is a Renaissance Swiss courtyard. The chapel, which is an example of the Gothic style in architecture, in which, beginning in 1498, the boys' choir celebrated throughout the world sings.

The imperial treasury of the Hofburg (Vienna) was constantly supplemented by new buildings, since each dynasty representative during his reign introduced something new into the castle complex.

Swiss gates and stables

Ferdinand I in 1552 built the Swiss Gate, through which you can go to the In-der-Burg Square. The square itself is a significant place from the point of view of history. In the old days it was here that the trial of people accused of these or other, real or imaginary, atrocities was carried out. They organized knight tournaments, and later - military parades. On the very gates, built in the form of an arch, the longest list of Ferdinand's possessions was engraved with gold. The architecture of the gate is borrowed from the builders of ancient Rome. The name appeared much later, during the time of Empress Maria Theresa. Since it was at these gates that the Swiss Guard was stationed.

On the orders of Maximilian II, stables were built, which were then re-equipped. Now they have an art gallery.

Rudolf II completed the chambers of the Empress, later they were named Amalienburg. When Leopold I was attached a wing with the main halls, it is called - the Leopoldovo wing. In addition, famous wine cellars were equipped.

Vienna, Hofburg. Building of the Spanish arena: description

Charles VI is known for his contribution to the arrangement of the Hofburg. On his orders was built the building of the Spanish arena. It is also called the Spanish Riding School or Equestrian Ballet. And to this day the horses of the Lipizzan breed perform here under the music of Schubert and Mozart. In one of the towns of the Austro-Hungarian Empire - Lipica, now it is the territory of Slovenia, the Archduke Charles II brought this breed of horses. Charles VI also ordered the construction of the Imperial Library in 1722. A few centuries before this event, the Habsburgs began to collect a collection of books, which became one of the richest in Europe. The Emperor Charles VI built a separate building for this huge assembly.

In the time of Maria Theresa the Burgtheater was built. Soon it became one of the most famous theaters of the Old World. The theater scene witnessed many premieres, for example, the creations of the genius of Mozart.

Emperor Joseph II built a Josef-parade with the equestrian statue of the emperor.

Treasury of the Habsburgs (Imperial)

Now in the residence of the emperors of the Habsburgs there are several museums. One of them has a very eloquent name - the treasury of the Habsburgs, or the imperial treasury. Here are collected signs of power of the emperors of ancient Rome, for example, the crown of the sacred Roman Empire. There are other relics of the monarch's power - the imperial sword, the Habsburg scepter, made, according to legend, from the horn of the unicorn. The power, crowned with large gems. There is an exposition of the treasures of the Order of the Golden Fleece. The museum houses the oldest artifact, which has colossal energy, if you believe the legends. This is the so-called Spear of Destiny, which one of the soldiers of Pontius Pilate pierced the body of Jesus, crucified on the cross.

A cot for the offspring of the imperial dynasty, a bush of roses made of gold, and many more exquisite and amazing things, whose artistic and historical value is difficult to translate into a monetary equivalent. To get to this museum you can by metro, after reaching the station "Herrengasse".

How much are the tickets?

Hofburg in Vienna can be visited from September to June, from nine in the morning until half past five in the evening. And from nine in the morning to six in the evening from July to August. A ticket for an adult costs ten euros. Children between the ages of six and up to sixteen will be able to get a ticket worth six euros. If tourists want to enjoy the singing of the world-famous choir of boys, then tickets must be purchased in advance.

Chapel of the palace ensemble

Among the attractions of the Hofburg is worth mentioning the chapel of St. George Church of St. Augustine. It is here that embalmed hearts of representatives of the monarch Habsburg dynasty are located.

And also the marble pyramid, which is the gravestone of Mary-Christina, stands out. She was the beloved daughter of Empress Maria Theresa. You can get into this chapel only by appointment.

Museums

What else is interesting in Vienna, Hofburg? The papyrus museum is located on the territory of the castle. Here the largest collection of ancient Egyptian papyri remains.

In general, the Hofburg Palace in Vienna accommodates about twenty-two such institutions. There is a Museum of Globes and Butterflies, Ethnographic and the Museum of the most popular Empress Elizabeth, which everyone called Sisi. There is a museum where silver and porcelain utensils of the imperial family are presented. One of his names is a silver pantry. In the musical museum, in addition to rare sights, tour guides will offer tourists the only recording of the orchestra under the direction of the maestro of the Viennese waltz - Strauss.

Hungry travelers do not necessarily leave the Hofburg limits. On the territory of the imperial garden, not far from the greenhouse, is a nice and cozy restaurant.

A small conclusion

Now you know how proud Vienna is. Hofburg is a palace worth visiting. It's beautiful and interesting. Therefore, come necessarily to Vienna.