Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schonbrunn) and its large park extends to the end of the Wienzeile, southwest of Vienna. Former residence of the Habsburgs, stands majestically in an area where previously erected three castles, which were devastated in two fires and sieges of Vienna, the last in 1683.

Photography by Ivan C

The beautiful fountain:

Emperor Matthias II after 1612 resided in the castle that his brother Rudolf II ordered its reconstruction in 1605, after a raid in Hungary. During a hunt, Matthias II found in the woods a beautiful fountain (Schoner Brunnen) that eventually gave its name to the place: Schönbrunn. But the fashion of the palace for the imperial family actually began with Eleanor of Gonzaga, wife of Ferdinand II (1619-1637). Italian princess castle expanded and renovated the garden to make it his summer residence, where he gave lavish parties. (más…)