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The Belvedere is a baroque palace complex built by Prince Eugene of Savoy in the 3rd district of Vienna, south-east of the city centre. After buying the plot of land in 1697, Prince Eugene had a large park created. The Schloss Belvedere began as a suburban entertainment villa. In 1714 work began to erect what is now called the Lower Belvedere, not as a palace but as a garden villa, with an orangerie and paintings gallery, with suitable living quarters. The architect was Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, one of the most important architects of the Austrian Baroque, who produced in the complex of buildings his masterwork. He was assisted by the Venetian sculptor Giovanni Stanetti, who had been brought to Vienna by Prince Eugene, with his atelier of assistants; now he also provided properly Italianate sculptural details, such as the figures along the balustrade and garden sculptures. The complex was sold in 1752 to Maria Theresa by the prince's heiress. Maria Theresa first named the schloss "Belvedere". Under the Habsburgs it was further extended. The last to reside here was Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Since World War I, the Austrian Gallery museum resides in the Belvedere. The building suffered heavy damage during World War II. The Gold Cabinet burnt out and had to be reconstructed. The building is currently being given a facelift. The work is scheduled to be complete by 2010.
♥PJ