Palais Coburg

Picture the grandeur of Palais Coburg in Vienna. It’s one of those places where you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The Palais, also known as Palais Saxe-Coburg, is a true gem in the heart of Vienna. It was designed in the 1839 by architect Karl Schleps in the Neoclassical style. What makes this palace so unique is that it was built on top of the Braunbastei, a part of Vienna’s original city defenses dating to 1555. The Braunbastei was named after the engineer who built it. The Palais stands as a testament to the city’s rich history. Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was the first to build on the Braunbastei, and his family once owned the Palais. They had a special nickname for it: the Spargelburg, which translates to “Castle of Asparagus,” because of the central portico with many freestanding columns. The last private owner was Sarah Aurelia Halasz. She was the morganatic widow of a prince. The family sold the Palais in the 1970s. Today, this grand, five-star boutique hotel is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. It has 33 suites and is known for its luxurious ambiance. But did you know the Palais Coburg has also been a major player on the world stage? It was the venue for the signing of the Iran nuclear deal in July of 2015. So as you stand before this grand palace, remember that it’s not only a place of beauty, but a place where history is made.