for centuries, used as a summer residence. The palace contains an enchanting park, the Palm House, the Gloriette and a zoo. This land was in the possession of the Habsburg's since 1569, when the wife of Emperor Ferdinand II. had a summer residence built there in 1642, which she called "Schönbrunn". The palace and garden were rebuilt and redesigned by Maria Theresia after 1743.
Today, the palace is part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage due to its historic importance, its unique grounds and its splendid furnishings.
The rooms are mostly decorated in Rococo style and have walls and ceilings covered with white-lacquered surfaces with ornamentation covered with gold leaf. These rooms are available to the public through guided tours. Although Austria is now a republic, Schönbrunn has remained a place of high political relevance.
The magnificent architecture and the exquisite décor of its state rooms marks Schönbrunn out as a cultural treasure and tourist attraction of the first order.
References:
"Schönbrunn Palace." - VIENNA – NOW OR NEVER. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2013."Stock Photo - Vienna, Austria - June, 2011: Architecture of the Famous Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria." 123RF Stock Photos. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 May 2013.
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