Facts About Belvedere Palace

Among the well-known facts about Belvedere Palace is that it was the summer palace of the Prince Eugene of Savoy. He was one of the greatest military commanders and statesmen in Austria who led them to several war victories. Apart from winning against the Ottomans and the War of Spanish Succession, he was also known for his love for art and culture. The palace is a vibrant example of the prince’s grand tastes.

Also Read: Belvedere Palace History 

One of the important facts about Belvedere Palace is that it was constructed under the guidance of Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. The famous architect had designed the prince’s Rackeve Palace on Csepel Island and had been among his top two choices for Belvedere Palace. Hildebrandt had also been involved in projects like the Schwarzenberg Palace, Schloss Hof Palace, Kinsky Palace, and Gottweig Monastery. He was known for his expertise in designing grand palatial structures.

Do Checkout: Belvedere 21 Museum

Of the facts about Belvedere Palace, one that can be easily seen is that it was inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Prince Eugene of Savoy had wished for a masterpiece from Hildebrandt, which led him to take inspiration from different structures. The palace complex combined the beauty of the French Palace of Versailles with various Austrian architectural styles. The unique masterpiece was completed over a period of ten years.

Also Explore: Belvedere Palace Inside

Facts about Belvedere Palace include how Prince Eugene of Savoy resided in the Palace for several years but did not create a will. In the absence of pre-decided residents, the Palace was offered to his niece Princess Maria Anna Victoria of Savoy, who refused ownership. Later, Maria Theresa bought the Palace and transformed it from a royal summer home to an art gallery. Thus, Belvedere Palace became the first public museum in 1781.

Among the famous facts about Belvedere Palace is that it was nearly destroyed in the Second World War. Vienna, the city where the Palace lies, was among the worst-affected cities by WWII bombings that led to massive destruction. Much of the Marble Hall and the Hall of Grotesques in the Palace were destroyed by the end of the war. It took a lot of renovation efforts to restore the palace to its former glory.

One of the obvious facts about Belvedere Palace is that it is not one single structure but a complex of many buildings. The Palace complex spreads over several acres and consists of a large garden, Upper Belvedere, and Lower Belvedere. The Upper Belvedere was used for representation purposes while the Lower Belvedere was the residence of Prince Eugene. As for the Belvedere Gardens, they are stunning green spaces with beautiful water cascades and sculptures.

Of the widely known Belvedere Palace facts, the palace gardens are Europe’s most iconic baroque gardens and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gardens connect Upper and Lower Belvedere and are home to beautiful sculptures, well-maintained hedges, and vibrant flower beds. You can see water cascades and fountains in the heart of the gardens, which adds to its soothing ambience. It is also home to over 4,000 Alpine plants from across the world.

Being the greatest hub of Austrian art is one of the top Belvedere Palace facts that attract millions of visitors. The artworks displayed within the palace primarily belong to Prince Eugene’s private collection and is mainly displayed in Upper Belvedere. Apart from Austrian paintings from different centuries, you can spot 16th and 17th-century Flemish, Dutch, and Italian artworks. The palace also has the largest collection of paintings by Gustav Klimt.

Prince Eugene’s love for art is widely known, but his love for oranges is among the lesser-known Belvedere Palace facts. Right next to Lower Belvedere lies the stunning Winter Palace, which is also known as the Orangery. The Orangery was constructed to provide protection to the prince’s orange trees. The structure still stands but is no longer used for orange cultivation. You can now see a medieval sacred art collection on display here.