Interesting Facts About Belvedere Palace

Did you know that during the Napoleonic Wars, Belvedere Palace was used to house French troops? 

Thankfully only some areas were damaged, but much of the structure remained intact.

Similarly, did you know that the Belvedere Palace was built over 300 years ago? 

Continue reading for many such fascinating facts about this palace in Vienna. 

Belvedere Palace welcomes thousands daily, so booking your tickets in advance is a smart move. The Upper Belvedere ticket includes Klimt’s The Kiss, while the Lower Belvedere ticket grants access to temporary exhibitions. Modern art lovers? Book Belvedere 21. Want to learn more? Join a guided tour for expert insights and stories.

Historical Background of Belvedere Palace

Belvedere was built by a military commander and not by a king. Surprising right?

After a lifetime of winning battles,Europe’s greatest military heroes, Prince Eugene of Savoy, instead of building a fortress, built himself a pleasure palace.

After defending Austria in major battles, he decided to treat himself to a stunning summer home instead. That’s how the elegant and beautiful Belvedere Palace came to life, not with cannons, but with gardens, fountains, and grand halls!

So… What’s the big deal about the Belvedere Palace?

Belvedere isn’t just any fancy building, it’s a Baroque masterpiece , filled with drama, art, war tales, romantic gestures, and even a political plot twist or two.

It was never meant to be a king’s castle. Instead, it was a personal dream project of Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of Europe’s military commanders. 

The Lower Belvedere was his personal pad, completed in 1716. A few years later, in 1723, the Upper Belvedere was added for dazzling guests, art, and epic views of Vienna.

The name “Belvedere” literally means “beautiful view” in Italian which the layout delivers. The architect, Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt built it on a slope. As a result, it offers sweeping views of Vienna that’ll make you pause. 

Fast forward to 1955. Imagine walking into the Marble Hall. This is where the Austrian State Treaty was signed, officially restoring Austria’s independence after WWII. Historic moment? Check. Gorgeous backdrop? Double check.

And also, the Belvedere Palace was always ahead of its time! Wondering how?

After Prince Eugene passed away, the palace was snapped up by Empress Maria Theresa—who turned it into a museum by 1781. That’s right, before the Louvre or the British Museum even opened, Belvedere was already showing off its art to the public. 

Today, Belvedere houses Austria’s most visited art collection. Its crown jewel? Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” If you don’t know it by name, trust us, you’ll recognize that golden embrace when you see it. It’s become the symbol of Viennese romance, and people travel across the world just for that one painting.

Prince Eugene’s Belvedere estate featured an Orangery that sheltered citrus trees during winter, nearby stables for his royal horses, and even a private menagerie where he kept elephants, lions, ostriches, and other exotic species.

Today, the Orangery and Stables have had a glow-up too: they now host temporary exhibitions and modern art showcases.

And let’s not forget Belvedere 21, the futuristic version of the palace. It was originally Austria’s pavilion at the 1958 World Expo in Brussels. Today, it’s a museum of contemporary art. So yes, Belvedere is both Baroque and modern, just like Vienna itself.

Facts That Might Surprise You

Prince Eugene was never a king. He never married, never ruled a country, and yet had enough power and wealth to build one of Europe’s grandest palaces.

The palace’s gardens are completely free to enter. Locals jog here, lovers picnic, and photographers go wild. You don’t even need a ticket to enjoy the scenery!

During WWII, some parts of the Upper Belvedere were damaged, but the art was saved just in time. Restoration began soon after, and thankfully, today the palace shines brighter than ever.

The ceiling frescoes inside the halls aren’t just art—they’re symbolic representatives of the culture. Think gods of dawn, art, peace, and victory. It’s like walking through a giant, painted storybook.

Vienna’s Belvedere Palace is indeed part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but not individually classified as one. The palace, along with its gardens and fountains, is integrated into the Historic Centre of Vienna, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Belvedere has movie-star energy. It has featured in several period dramas and documentaries.