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Welcome to Schonbrunn Palace [Schloss Schonbrunn]
The magnificent Baroque Schonbrunn Palace with grandly formal gardens was built for the Habsburgs between 1696 and 1713. The complex has been a summer residence for such personages as Maria Theresa and Napoleon. Kaiser Franz Josef I was born and died here. His ‘office’ (kept as he left it in 1916) is a touching reminder of his spartan life. In contrast, other rooms are filled with truly spectacular imperial elegance. Six-year-old Mozart played here in the Hall of Mirrors for Maria Theresa and the court. The ornate reception areas are still used for state occasions. A guided tour leading through more than 40 of the palace's 1,441 rooms is the best way to see inside the palace.
The French-style gardens, bigger than the principality of Monaco, are a riot of colour in the summer. Hidden away in them you'll find some fake Roman ruins, the exuberant Neptune Fountain (a riotous ensemble from Greek mythology) and the triumphant Gloriette Monument. Also on the grounds is the baroque Schlosstheater (Palace Theater), which stages summer performances. Marie Antoinette appeared on its stage in pastorals during her happy youth. On the west side of the gardens are the Palmenhaus (Palm House), filled with exotic plants, and the Tiergarten (zoo), the world's oldest, dating from 1752. Schmetterlingshaus (Butterfly House) can also be found in the park.
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