In Vienna, there are various tourist attractions that cover a wide space and feature amazing architecture, sculptures as well lovely gardens. The palaces and their grounds are just some of them.
The Belvedere Palace grand complex is one huge expanse that never fails to attract visitors. With its a baroque style palaces turned into a museum and beautiful formal garden, the place promotes a very relaxing environment that staying there for a day is worth it.
The Belvedere complex is actually divided into the lower and upper portion. They are separated by a formal garden.
The lower part was the first to be completed in 1716 while the upper portion was finished more than three years after between 1720 and 1722.
The Upper Belvedere, which was built through the efforts of chief architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, used to be the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. Originally, the main purpose of constructing this second Baroque style palace was to host different events for the noble guests of the prince. By 1897, the palace underwent renovation works courtesy of architect Emil von Forster.
French landscaper Dominique Girard designed the French gardens that connected the two palaces. He included fountains and cascades into the design.
By 1752, the entire complex was sold to Maria Theresa, the prince’s heiress. It was she who named the place Belvedere.
It was in 1779 when the Upper Belvedere was opened to the public. It now houses the Imperial Picture Gallery as well as various Austrian artworks considered to be one of the world’s most interesting collections. The most famous artpiece here is said to be “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt.
