Belvedere Palace
About The Belvedere Palace
The historic Belvedere Palace in Vienna, Austria, is a stunning Baroque complex in the city’s third district. This architectural gem consists of two beautiful palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, the Orangery, and the Palace Stables, all surrounded by a picturesque Baroque park landscape.
Originally the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy in the 18th century, the Belvedere Palace now welcomes visitors to experience its rich history and artistic treasures. The complex is adorned with sculptures, fountains, and cascades, creating a visually captivating environment.Inside the Belvedere Palace, you’ll discover an impressive collection of Austrian art spanning the Middle Ages to the present day. Renowned artists like Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka are featured in captivating exhibits.
History Of The Belvedere Palace
Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt created the stunning Belvedere Palace in Vienna, between 1717 and 1723. This beautiful palace was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy, a famous art collector and general, to use as his summer residence. For over 300 years, the Upper and Lower Belvedere have graced Vienna, facing each other with timeless elegance. Construction of the Lower Belvedere started in 1712, while the Upper Belvedere began in 1717. After Prince Eugene passed away in 1736, his niece, Princess Victoria, became the owner of this magnificent palace.
Since 1780, the Belvedere Gardens have been open to the public, and you can enjoy them for free. These gardens even housed exotic animals in the early days, following the royal trend of displaying rare wildlife as a symbol of power and prestige. One of the highlights of the Upper Belvedere is Gustav Klimt’s famous painting, “The Kiss,” measuring 180 by 180 centimeters. Klimt added a touch of luxury with gold and silver, enhancing the painting’s ornamental charm. Explore the rich history of the Belvedere Palace and immerse yourself in its timeless beauty!
Tips To Visit the Belvedere Palace
- Grab Tickets Early: Make your visit smoother by getting your tickets in advance. This way, you can skip the lines at the ticket office and stay updated on available time slots.
- Enjoy Your Time: Take it easy and explore both palaces at your own pace. Consider taking an audio tour to learn more, and don’t forget to treat yourself at Cafe Menagerie for a delightful snack.
- Capture the Moment: For a fantastic photo of the palace, stroll to the front of the Upper Belvedere, just beyond the small lake. It’s the perfect spot to snap a memorable shot.
- Explore the Gardens: Don’t miss the beautiful gardens – they’re free to visit and have welcomed the public since 1780. The gates are usually open around 6:30 or 7 AM, with closing times varying by season.
- Guided Tour: While visiting, consider taking a Belvedere Palace guided tour that helps you make your visit enjoyable and hassle-free!
Belvedere Palace Tickets
If you’re looking for a quick entry, direct tickets start at €14.60. For a more extensive experience, consider combo tickets at €28.17, which grant access to Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces. If you’re interested in the Belvedere 21 Museum, tickets begin at €9.30. For those seeking more detail, special rates are available. Tickets for Upper and Lower Belvedere are €22.90 (€19.90 for students and seniors), and regular entry is €26.10 online (€21.90 for seniors over 65). Combo tickets, offering flexibility with time slots, are also an option.
Families with children under 19 can rejoice as the little ones get in for free! And don’t forget to explore the enchanting Belvedere Palace gardens, which have been accessible at no cost since 1780. The gates open early, around 6:30 or 7 AM, with closing times varying by season. For a smoother experience, we recommend booking advance tickets. This ensures your preferred time and allows you to skip any potential lines at the ticket counter. Plan, secure your tickets, and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Belvedere Palace!
How To Arrive At The Belvedere Palace
Are you considering a Belvedere Palace tour? You have different options: take a bus or train, drive your car, or even join a Belvedere Palace walking tour specifically for Belvedere Palace. Whichever way you choose, getting to Belvedere Palace is pretty straightforward!
By Tram: If you’re using public transit, take the tram lines D, 18, or O to reach Schloss Belvedere or Quartier Belvedere stations, which are close to the palace. Quartier Belvedere station is just a 7-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can use the U1 line to reach Hauptbahnhof station, although navigating this busy station may be challenging.
By Car: Belvedere Palace is about 3 km away from the city center if you’re driving. While there’s no on-site parking, you can easily find public parking nearby. The closest spot is just a minute away from the Lower Belvedere. Street parking can be challenging due to the short-term parking zone.
By Foot: It takes approximately 30 minutes to stroll from the city center to Belvedere Palace. Head towards the “Ring” boulevard, walk toward Schwarzenbergplatz, pass the Red Army Monument, and then follow Rennweg Street for 150m until you reach the entrance of the Lower Belvedere.
By Bus: For those who prefer the bus, the 13A route will bring you to the closest stop, Mommsengasse.
