Belvedere

A palace of many parts? The Belvedere before you is not just one building, you know. The Belvedere is a complex of two Baroque palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere. They were originally built as summer residences for Prince Eugene of Savoy. A celebrated military commander, Prince Eugene was also a great patron of the arts. He envisioned the Belvedere as a place of peace and artistic beauty. It was designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, a prominent Baroque architect. Hildebrandt’s work is notable for its decorative details and the integration of the buildings with the gardens. The gardens! Be sure to take a stroll through them. They are among the finest Baroque gardens in Europe, designed by Dominique Girard. You’ll find symmetry, sculptures, fountains, and cascades, a true feast for the eyes. Today, the Belvedere houses the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere. This impressive collection showcases Austrian art spanning several centuries, including one very famous artwork. Hidden within the Upper Belvedere’s walls is Gustav Klimt’s masterpiece, “The Kiss.” This iconic artwork, a highlight of the palace’s art collection, embodies the pinnacle of Klimt’s “Golden Period.” But the Belvedere’s story doesn’t end with art. In 1955, the Marble Hall of the Upper Belvedere witnessed a pivotal moment in history: the signing of the Austrian State Treaty. This event marked the end of Austria’s post-World War II occupation and its return to sovereignty and neutrality. From a prince’s sanctuary to an art lover’s paradise, and finally to a symbol of peace, the Belvedere’s story intertwines with the very fabric of Vienna.