The Hofburg Palace is located in Vienna, Austria. From 1438 to 1583 and 1612 to 1686, it was home to the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. It is now the residence of the current Austrian Federal President. It has many different area and wings that make up the palace itself. Over the centuries, the Hofburg has expanded to include many different things, including museums, a chapel, horse stables, and the Imperial Library.
Among the oldest sections of the palace is the Swiss Wing. These oldest parts date back to the 13th century, and were mainly built by Ottaker II of Bohemia. Before the Hofburg was built, the Austrian rulers’ castle was located near the Scottish Monastery on the square called Am Hof. Inside the Swiss Wing is the gothic chapel Burgkapelle, circa 15th century, the treasury Rechskleinodien, and the Imperial Music Chapel.
The Imperial Library actually a stand-alone structure before it was made part of the palace, and once stood on the other side of the complex. Charles VI was the founder of the library, which is now called Prunksaal. Construction of the building was finished in 1735. This amazing library contains the complete book collection of Prince Eugene, statues of emperors done by Paul Strudel, and a huge ceiling painting by Daniel Gran. Lorenzo Mattielli did the exterior decoration, complete with Attika figures. Here you can see a sculpture of Atlas holding the world on the left side of the roof.
The Redoutensaele, also known as the Redouten Wing, is a gorgeous concert and dance hall that Maria Theresia had converted from a 17th century opera house. It was here that Beethoven’s 8th Symphony premiered in 1842. A fire seriously damaged the wing on November 27th, 1992. Restoration and reconstruction took place over a period of five years, and it was reopened in 1998.
The Ceremonial Hall, or Montoyer Wing, was built at the beginning of the 19th century by Louis Montoyer for Emperor Franz II/I. The original name for it was ‘Nose of the Hofburg’ because of its placement. It was here that Napoleon Bonaparte asked for Marie Louise’s hand in marriage, who was the emperor’s daughter. The exclusive Ball of the Court was also held there.
On the southeastern side is the Augustinian Wing, named for the St. Augustine’s Church. The St. Augustine’s Church was used by the people of the Habsburg dynasty for their court church, and it was also used for wedding ceremonies. It is here that Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elizabeth were married. There is also a chapel on the side of the church called the Hearts’ Crypt, because the hearts of the Habsburg’s are laid to rest inside.
If you’re taking a tour of the Hofburg, you should definitely try to go on a Sunday so that you may attend Mass and listen to the amazing voices of Vienna’s Boys Choir. Make sure to visit the Library as well! Opening hours are 9 am to 5:30 pm from September to June, and 9 am to 6 pm for July and August. Admission charges for adults $12 with audio guide or $15 with a tour guide. For children ages 6 to 18, admission charges are $7 with audio guide or $8 with a tour guide.
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