Vienna's Imperial Palace, the Hofburg, was for centuries the seat of the Habsburgs, rulers of Austria until the end of WWI. A great deal of European history was written here, in particular by Empress Maria and, for a while, the German Emperor (today, it's the official seat of the Austrian Head of State, the Federal President).
The complex is particularly interesting as its major buildings reflect more than 700 years of architectural history; nearly every Austrian ruler since 1275 ordered additions or alterations. As a result, the Hofburg shows many different architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque to Rococo, and a smattering of Classicism.
Together with its many squares and gardens, the Hofburg occupies an area of some 59 acres and is in many ways a "city-within-a-city," comprising 18 groups of buildings, 19 courtyards, and 2,600 rooms. Visitors are given three choices when visiting this spectacular site - the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and Silver Collection - each of which can be toured individually or as part of an extended visit.
The area around the Hofburg, along with some of its outlying buildings, houses a number of other attractions, including the Imperial Chapel (Burgkapelle), the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.
Of the rooms in the Hofburg accessible to the public, some of the most interesting can be found in the Franz Joseph Apartments, most of which remain unaltered. Highlights include the Dining Room, famous for its rich décor and Flemish artwork representing the heroic deeds of Hercules, and the Circle Room with its exquisite tapestries.
A fascinating model of the Hofburg and its many buildings is in the Guard Room, while in the Large Audience Chamber - the waiting room for the Emperor's weekly audiences - the Bohemian crystal candelabrum is worth seeing. Also of interest here is a list of those in attendance on January 10th, 1910, while in the Study is a bust of Field-Marshal Radetzky, one of a select group permitted to appear unannounced before the Emperor (his sword is also on display).
Aviano Pension
Stay in the heart of Vienna
Surrounded by various sights, famous monuments, historic buildings and several shopping streets, this small, family-run guesthouse is located right in the heart of Vienna.
Aviano Pension harmoniously combines Viennese tradition and modern comfort. Furnished in traditional Viennese style, all rooms are non-smoking and are located on the top 2 floors of this historic building.
There is no restaurant, bar or lobby at Aviano Pension in order to protect the privacy of the guests and ensure their relaxation.
Located in a small side street near Kärntner Straße and Neuer Markt (square), Aviano Pension is only a few steps away from St. Stephen's Cathedral, the State Opera, Albertina Museum, and the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
01. Innere Stadt is a great choice for travellers interested in live music, opera and food.