aventuro
Photo: Belvedere, Wien, CC BY-SA 3.0 at
Photo: Belvedere, Wien, CC BY-SA 3.0 at
Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michal Zuber, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Michal Zuber, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Michal Zuber, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Michal Zuber, CC BY 3.0
Photo: UllieFGC, CC BY-SA 4.0
Belvedere Palace, 1030 Wien, Austria
Photos
Photo: Belvedere, Wien, CC BY-SA 3.0 at
Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michal Zuber, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Michal Zuber, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Michal Zuber, CC BY 3.0
Interesting facts
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The Upper Belvedere's Marble Hall was the site of the 1955 signing of the Austrian State Treaty, which restored the country's sovereignty.
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The garden was designed by Dominique Girard, who also contributed to the landscaping at Versailles.
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Prince Eugene of Savoy, who commissioned the palaces, was a prolific military commander who served three Habsburg emperors.
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The Upper Belvedere holds Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss', arguably the most famous painting in Austrian art history.
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The complex contains a 'Prunksaal' (State Hall) that features ornate stucco work and ceiling frescoes reflecting the Prince's military successes.
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The Lower Belvedere's 'Gold Cabinet' is one of the most significant examples of high-Baroque interior design.
Overview
The Belvedere is a historic complex in Vienna consisting of two Baroque palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, linked by a formal French garden. Commissioned as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Upper Belvedere now houses the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings. The site serves as a museum displaying Austrian art spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. The complex is divided into distinct thematic areas, with the Lower Belvedere featuring the former living quarters and Orangery. The gardens utilize a unique terraced design that connects the two palaces across a significant incline. The Upper Belvedere is specifically recognized for its Marble Hall and high-ceilinged galleries. The complex acts as a primary institutional repository for historical Austrian State Treaty documents.
Photo spot
From the terrace at the top of the gardens looking down toward the Lower Belvedere and the Vienna skyline.
Insider tips
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Purchase a combined ticket to access both palaces and the garden to avoid separate entry lines.
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Book entry time slots online in advance, as the Upper Belvedere strictly regulates visitor numbers.
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Wear comfortable footwear as the path between the two palaces involves a noticeable uphill slope on gravel paths.
What to avoid
Avoid visiting only the Upper Belvedere while ignoring the Lower Belvedere and the Orangery, which provide essential context for the Prince's residence.
Etiquette
Large bags and backpacks must be placed in lockers; photography is permitted in most areas without flash, but strictly prohibited in select temporary exhibition rooms.
Video
Plan your visit
- Key exhibits
- Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss', Egon Schiele's portrait collection, and Medieval masterworks.
- Architectural style
- Austrian Baroque
Frequently asked
How long should I spend at Belvedere Palace?
Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, particularly in late spring or early autumn when the gardens are in bloom but the summer heat is less intense..
What's the best photo spot?
From the terrace at the top of the gardens looking down toward the Lower Belvedere and the Vienna skyline.
What else is nearby?
Close by you'll find St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna State Opera, Hofburg.
