The Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s iconic landmarks and one of the most visited attractions in the city.
Constructed at the start of the 18th century under the guidance of Austria’s most celebrated Baroque architects, Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt and Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, it was originally intended as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy.
The palace complex features a stunning Baroque style and comprises two palaces linked by a French-style garden filled with art pieces and architectural beauty.
The name “Belvedere” originated with Empress Maria Theresa, who acquired it in 1752. However, she never resided there.
In 1919, following periods of occupation by local families, the palace became the property of the Austrian Republic and was later transformed into a museum.
Upper Belvedere
Upper Belvedere, constructed between 1717 and 1723, stands at the highest point of the garden. This is a must-see in Vienna for lovers of culture and history.
Initially conceived as the smaller of the complex’s buildings, Upper Belvedere eventually became the primary structure, with a beautiful façade and simpler interior design.
The palace served as a grand setting for Prince Eugene’s receptions and numerous social events. After Prince Eugene of Savoy passed away, it became Habsburg property, with Archduke Franz as the last Habsburg formally residing in the Upper Belvedere Palace.
Inside, the palace boasts a chapel, a grand marble hall, and an exhibition of 19th and 20th-century Austrian paintings, particularly showcasing works by Gustav Klimt.
The lower levels exhibit Baroque and medieval art, while the first floor houses Viennese artworks from the 1880-1900 period.
The second floor showcases neoclassical and romantic artworks as well as the Biedermeier collection.
For a richer experience, you can choose from two guided tours led by experts who delve into the history of this iconic site:
- Skip-the-line tickets and guided tour of Upper Belvedere
- Entry ticket to Upper Belvedere and the permanent collection
Terrena Hall
The first area you encounter upon entering the palace is Terrena Hall, completed in 1723, the same year as the palace itself.
This room is distinguished by its vaulted ceiling and the four human-shaped columns that adorn the space.
Interestingly, these columns were added after the hall’s construction to prevent potential structural collapse.
Marble Hall
At the center of Upper Belvedere is the marble hall, dedicated to commemorating the heroic victories of Prince Eugene of Savoy.
The hall’s floor showcases the original lead samples of Georg Raphael Donner’s statues created for the Neuer Markt fountain, adding another layer of historical artistry.
The frescoes within the palace aim to glorify Prince Eugene of Savoy and leave visitors awestruck. The combination of frescoes, elaborate stucco, and opulent marble creates a quintessential Baroque setting for celebrations and receptions. Notably, many of the decorations were crafted by the renowned artist Carlo Carlone.
Gustav Klimt’s masterpieces
Gustav Klimt, born on July 14, 1862, in Baumgarten near Vienna, displayed a remarkable passion for art from a young age. He began formal painting studies in 1876 at Vienna’s school of arts and crafts. In 1883, he and his brother co-founded an artist company, marking the start of his notable career.
At Belvedere Palace, visitors can view a range of masterpieces spanning from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. However, the most celebrated pieces are those by Gustav Klimt.
In 1903, Gustav Klimt and other artists established the Moderne Galerie with the vision of creating a space for contemporary Austrian art presented within an international framework.
Belvedere Palace houses the world’s largest collection of Klimt’s oil paintings, featuring 24 works, including two of his Golden Period masterpieces: The Kiss and Judith.
The collection also includes significant portraits such as Sonja Knips, Fritza Riedler, and Johanna Staude, as well as landscapes and allegorical scenes. Klimt’s exhibition also features one of his sketchbooks and the monumental Beethoven Frieze.
Lower Belvedere
The Lower Belvedere sits on the opposite end of the gardens and was constructed between 1712 and 1716 as a summer residence for Prince Eugene.
Its façade is smaller and simpler than that of the Upper Belvedere, yet its interior boasts iconic rooms such as:
- The Hall of Mirrors
- The Hall of Grotesques
- The Marble Hall
For an easy and convenient visit, you can purchase tickets here for the Lower Belvedere and temporary exhibitions, allowing you to skip the lines and enjoy a slight discount.
Hall of Grotesques and the Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Grotesques is a captivating, windowless room with walls adorned with grotesque paintings, inspired by ancient Roman frescoes featuring ghostly, mythical creatures.
Among the notable works are The Forge of Vulcan and The Three Graces. The carved heads displayed here feature intense and expressive facial details.
The Lower Belvedere also includes the Hall of Mirrors, with walls covered in mirrors framed in gold, porcelain decorations, and a statue of Prince Eugene sculpted in 1721 by Balthasar Permoser.
The ceiling fresco, painted by Martino Altomonte, depicts Prince Eugene as Apollo.
Marble Gallery
The Lower Belvedere also houses the famous Marble Gallery, a Baroque-style hall decorated in brown-toned marble.
This gallery features niches along the walls that contain statues, many of which were sculpted by the Baroque artist Domenico Parodi.
The Orangerie
Next to the Lower Belvedere is the Orangerie, an elegant building originally used as a greenhouse.
Beside the Orangerie were the stables, home to the prince’s horses, a significant enterprise for Prince Eugene.
Today, the Orangerie has been transformed into a gallery space that beautifully combines architecture, nature, and lovely garden views.
The Gardens of Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere Palace gardens were designed by a protégé of the famous André Le Nôtre. These gardens serve as the connecting point between the two palaces, creating a harmonious and elegant link in this remarkable complex.
Currently, the gardens boast over 4,000 plants, many showcasing Alpine flora. The ideal time to explore the palace and its gardens is spring, when numerous plants bloom, enhancing the beauty of the surroundings.
If you’re planning to spend more than two days in Vienna, we highly recommend setting aside time to wander through these gardens, enjoying the peace and the lush scenery.
Tickets to Belvedere Palace – Prices and Hours
The Belvedere offers various ticket options to fit every itinerary and interest.
If you’d like to visit the Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, Orangerie, and stables, here are the ticket prices:
- Adults: €14
- Groups of 10 or more: €11.50 per person
- Adults over 60: €11
- Students up to 27 years old: €10
- Disabled visitors: €2
- Children and young adults under 19: free admission
For those interested in visiting only the Upper Belvedere and viewing the permanent collection, it is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 with the following ticket prices:
- Adults: €9.50
- Groups of 10 or more: €8 per person
- Adults over 60: €7.50
- Students up to 27 years old: €7
- Children and young adults under 19: free admission
Alternatively, the Lower Belvedere, Orangerie, and Stables are accessible at the same ticket price as the Upper Belvedere.
For those interested in a deeper understanding of Vienna’s history and the palace’s rich past, guided tours are available in Spanish, German, English, French, Italian, Russian, Czech, and with simultaneous interpretation in sign language.
The guided tour cost is the same as general admission, with an additional €3 for a 30-minute tour or €4 for a 60-minute tour.
Audio guides are also available in Spanish, German, English, French, Italian, and Japanese, costing €4 for Upper Belvedere and €3.50 for Lower Belvedere.
How to Get to Belvedere Palace
Belvedere Palace is conveniently located near Vienna’s city center and is accessible by tram, bus, taxi, and train.
- To enter via Lower Belvedere, take tram 71 to the Unteres Belvedere stop.
- For Upper Belvedere, take the U1 subway line to Südtirolerplatz or tram D to the Schloss Belvedere stop.
- If traveling by bus, lines 13A and 69A stop at Hauptbahnhof.
If you’re planning to visit Austria’s capital on your next vacation, Belvedere Palace is a destination you won’t want to miss. Its artistic, architectural, and natural beauty will add an unforgettable touch to your experience in Vienna.