Vienna's Schloss Schonbrunn
Schönbrunn Palace, which was for centuries the summer home of the Habsburg monarchs of Austria, has become the most visited tourist attraction in the country. This impressive Baroque style palace is a Unesco World Heritage site and one of Europe’s top monuments. The Schönbrunn estate was built in 1693 by Emperor Leopold with the intent of using it as a hunting lodge for his son Joseph I. But Joseph I died before it was completed so it was made a dower residence of Joseph’s widow instead. It was passed down for generations and at some point became an important part of Austria’s political scene.
Today visitors can wander around the estate and the mansion for a small fee, you can tour the palace and its 40 furnished rooms, the Great Gallery, a 40 metre long hall with wall mirrors, ceiling frescoes, and golden chandeliers that was used for balls, banquets, and receptions. You can also take a tour of the Schönbrunn gardens which contain a 1.2 kilometres park perfect for recreation.
