Belvedere Palace History | Austria’s Artistic Legacy

Once the summer residence of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Belvedere Palace is a Baroque-style complex in Vienna, Austria. Decorated with sculptures, cascades, fountains, and gardens, the Belvedere Palace is built on a beautiful landscape that makes it a must-visit attraction in Vienna. The palace is divided into two buildings - the Upper and Lower Belvedere, each with its own charm that will make your trip here worth it. Let’s get into the history of the spectacular palace and understand why you must add it to your itinerary on your trip to Vienna.

About Belvedere Palace

Plan your visit to the Belvedere Palace

Upper Belvedere Palace:
Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Lower Belvedere Palace:
Monday to Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Belvedere 21 Museum:
Tuesday to Sunday: 11 AM to 6 PM
Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM
Closed on: Mondays, except for public holidays

Duration of visit: 4 to 5 hours

Best time to visit: April to June and September to October, for moderate temperatures and flowering palace gardens

Best time to visit the Belvedere Palace

Address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria

The Belvedere Palace is located in the heart of the city of Vienna, making it closer to all important attractions in the city.

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Nearest landmarks: St Charles' Church, Vienna State Opera, Schwarzenbergplatz, Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna, Hundertwasserhaus

Belvedere Palace directions

Belvedere Palace timeline

1712: The Lower Belvedere Palace is commissioned by architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt.
1717: After the Lower Belvedere is completed, construction work for Upper Belvedere begins.
1736: Prince Eugene passes away at City Palace without a will. His niece, Princess Victoria, becomes the owner of the palace.
1752: The only woman to rule Austria, Empress Maria Theresa, inherits the Belvedere estate.
1770: The Belvedere Palace is the venue for Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Francis I’s daughter, Maria Antoinette, and Louis XVI’s wedding.
1781: The Picture Gallery is opened in the Upper Belvedere, making it the first public museum in the world.
1896: The museum in the Upper Belvedere is shut and renovated as a primary residence for the heir to the throne, Franz Ferdinand.
1912: The Austrian Gallery, previously the Modern Gallery, becomes home to Austria's most celebrated paintings and artworks.

Belvedere Palace exhibitions

Belvedere Palace history explained

Construction begins

1712
Prince Eugene of Savoy, belonging to the Habsburg dynasty, wanted to build a summer residence. He appointed architect Johann Lukas von Hilderbrandt, a student of Italian architect Carlo Fontana to undertake the task. A massive plot was chosen in the heart of Vienna. It was built in the Baroque style and featured lavish gardens. The construction was completed in 1717.

Construction of the Upper Belvedere Palace begins

1717
The construction of the Upper Belvedere Palace began in 1717. Francesco Solimena, a celebrated Italian painter, was commissioned to add frescoes to the ceiling of the Golden Room and create a stunning altarpiece for the Palace Chapel. From 1721 to 1723, Carlo Carlone painted frescoes on the ceilings of the Marble Hall.

About Upper Belvedere Palace

Prince Eugene passed away

1736
On 21st April 1736, Prince Eugene passed away in his sleep. He left no will. Roman Emperor Charles VI set up a commission to decide what would be done with Prince Eugene’s possessions. After much thought and consideration, the Belvedere Palace and other important possessions of Prince Eugene went to his niece, Princess Victoria, whom he had never met.

Empress Maria Theresa’s reign

1752
Maria Theresa became the ruler of Habsburg dominions, making her the only woman to ever rule Austria. After she took over the ownership of the Belvedere Palace, the palace was not used much. In 1770, the palace was used for the holy matrimony of Marie Antoinette and the future King of France, Louis XVI. A masked ball was thrown in their honor, with a guest list of 16,000 people.

World’s first museum

1781
When the French Revolution began, members of the royal family were fleeing to Vienna to save themselves. The Lower Belvedere became a refuge center, while the Imperial Picture Gallery was shifted to the Upper Belvedere. Empress Maria Theresa decided to open the Imperial Picture Gallery to the public to make people aware of her family’s history.

Belvedere Palace Vienna facts

Home of Franz Ferdinand

1896
Most of the artworks were moved to Serbia to protect them from the French revolutionaries. Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I decided to convert the Upper Belvedere as the primary residence of his heir apparent, Franz Ferdinand. In 1903, Franz Ferdinand opened the Modern Gallery to the public to celebrate the works of Austrian artists in the era of Modernism.

Construction of the Belvedere Palace

Commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Belvedere Palace was designed as a luxurious summer residence and a symbol of his military victories. A renowned architect, Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, undertook the construction process. The Belvedere Palace complex comprises the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and the Belvedere Gardens.

The Belvedere Palace complex featured exquisite gardens, grand halls, and opulent interiors adorned with frescoes and sculptures. Its distinctive Baroque style, characterized by curved lines, ornate decorations, and elaborate facades, reflects the grandeur of the era.

The construction of the Belvedere Palace spanned from 1714 to 1723, showcasing the pinnacle of Baroque architecture. The Upper Belvedere complex features notable artworks like Gustave Klimt's 'The Kiss'. The Lower Belvedere Palace also hosts rotating exhibitions highlighting Austrian and international artists, offering visitors a diverse cultural experience.

Belvedere 21 Museum

Architecture of the Belvedere Palace

The architecture of the Belvedere Palace is a stunning example of Baroque grandeur, characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, sweeping curves, and symmetrical layout. Designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, the palace consists of two main buildings, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, connected by a magnificent garden adorned with sculptures, fountains, and manicured lawns.

The Upper Belvedere, the focal point of the complex, features a central pavilion flanked by two symmetrical wings. Its façade is adorned with sculpted figures, ornate columns, and elegant balustrades. Inside, you will find lavish halls adorned with frescoes, stuccowork, and gilded details, showcasing the wealth and power of its original owner, Prince Eugene of Savoy.

The Lower Belvedere, originally intended as a guesthouse and orangery, boasts a similar architectural style. Its central pavilion overlooks a formal garden, creating a harmonious link between the palaces and the gardens.

Inside the Belvedere Palace

Belvedere Palace today

Today, the Belvedere Palace stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a cultural center, housing a remarkable collection of Austrian art. The palace's extensive galleries showcase a diverse range of artworks, spanning from medieval to contemporary periods, including iconic pieces by Austrian masters such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

In addition to its role as an art museum, the Lower Belvedere Palace hosts various temporary exhibitions and special cultural events to bring to light the works of various Austrian artists. The Belvedere Palace continues to play a vital role in preserving Austria's cultural heritage, offering educational programs, guided tours, and research opportunities for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Tips to note when visiting the Belvedere Palace

Book tickets to Belvedere Palace in Vienna

Upper Belvedere Palace Direct Entry Tickets

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Combo (Save 8%): Direct Entry Tickets to Upper and Lower Belvedere Palace

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Upper Belvedere Palace & Gardens Guided Tour with Direct Entry

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1 hr. 30 min.

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Lower Belvedere Palace Direct Entry Tickets

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Belvedere 21: Museum of Contemporary Art Direct Entry Tickets

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Vienna City Card: Unlimited Public Transport & Discounts

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Frequently asked questions about Belvedere Palace history

How old is Belvedere Palace Vienna?

The Belvedere Palace in Vienna was built between 1712 and 1723, making the palace almost 310 years old.

Why is Belvedere Palace Vienna famous?

The Belvedere Palace is famous for its Baroque-style architecture. It was once the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and also housed important members of the Habsburg dynasty that once ruled Austria. Today, it functions as an art museum, showcasing pieces from the royal collection and celebrated Modernist artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Where is Belvedere Palace Vienna?

The Belvedere Palace is situated in the heart of the city, on Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien, Austria. It is close to all the major attractions in the city.

Who designed Belvedere Palace Vienna?

Prince Eugene of Savoy commissioned the Belvedere Palace to renowned Austrian architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. The Palace was built in a Baroque style and showcased significant artworks by artists like Gustave Klimt and Egon Schiele. The Lower Belvedere Palace also houses temporary exhibitions and cultural events.

What is the architectural style of Belvedere Palace Vienna?

The Belvedere Palace is built in the Baroque style with intricate designs, ornate stuccos, gilded works, and overlooking huge gardens. Prince Eugene of Savoy had commissioned this palace to use as his summer residence.

How much does it cost to visit Belvedere Palace Vienna?

If you book Belvedere Palace tickets online, you can choose between direct-entry and combo tickets. The direct entry tickets to Belvedere Palace in Vienna start from €14.60. The Belvedere Palace combo tickets start from €51.24.

What are some interesting facts about the Belvedere Palace history?

The Belvedere Palace was the venue of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI’s wedding. During the French Revolution, many royal family members took refuge in the Belvedere Palace, including Princess Marie Therese Charlotte, the only surviving child of the French rulers. The palace was also the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, who was assassinated in 1914, which would become the starting point of World War I.

Is it worth visiting Belvedere Palace Vienna?

Yes, you must visit the Belvedere Palace in Vienna to witness its beauty with your own eyes. It is a beautiful Baroque-style palace that is among the top attractions of Vienna. The Belvedere Palace is a haven for art enthusiasts since it showcases a variety of artworks from the Middle Ages to the 19th and 20th centuries.