Austria boasts of many important figures not only in music but even in the military. One of them if Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the most important army general of the country. He is considered to be instrumental in the rise of the House of Habsburg.
Those visiting the Belvedere Gallery will have a chance to get to know this Prince Eugene. An exhibition on the history of art and the environment in Vienna during the early part of 18th century is currently going on in the gallery. This event will run until the first day of June so those who are still deciding on their travel itineraries in the coming months can still catch this exhibition.
Born in Paris, Prince Eugene moved to Austria when he was not allowed to serve in the French Army. He served three emperors during the Habsburg reign and fought many wars during his life. The last war he fought was the War of the Polish Succession in October 1735. He died a year after due to pneumonia.
But unknown to many, Eugene also contributed to the baroque architecture in Vienna. In fact, the Winter Palace also known as the Stadtpalais was his main residence. During his time, Prince Eugene hired Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt as his official architect. Together, they planned in putting up more palaces including the famous the twin Belvedere Palaces and the Schlosshof which is located between the Danube and Morava rivers. In addition to his contribution in architecture, Eugene also had a vast collection of pictures featuring Italian, Dutch and Flemish art in the 16th and 17th centuries, books, manuscripts and prints.
A trip to the Belvedere Gallery in Vienna is a rare experience. The building alone is already rich in history and going inside will educate visitors all the more about its former resident, Prince Eugene of Savoy.
