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After the victory over the Turks, Emperor Leopold I assigned J.B. Fischer von Erlach to build an Imperial Pleasure Palace on the place of a destroyed little hunting lodge. It was Fischer's intention to create a castle that exceeds the one at Versailles.

The emperor's budget, however, only allowed a complex of 1,441 rooms for that moment. Under Maria Theresa the castle got its current appearance. The Baroque castle's heydays came in 1814-15 when the “Vienna Congress” took place. The monarchy ended in 1918 when Carl I. made Austria a republic. Today the former summer residence of the Habsburger family is used for state receptions and other prestigious events. A total of 39 rooms can be visited - which is of course only a small part – but nevertheless, you get an insight into the emperor's everyday life. Its huge park is one of the most important Baroque Gardens in the world. Some of the other musts are: the Palm House, the Tropic House, the famous Schoenbrunn Zoo, and the magnificent Gloriette at the very top of one end of the park.. Likewise, the Neptun Fountain and the Roman Ruin are worthwhile visits. In addition, the park offers numerous fountains, cafés, sculptures and more activities – literally around every corner! Besides you can visit the Wagenburg (stable of horse carraiges) and the Schlosstheater, which is Vienna's only remaining Baroque theatre. Please note that the Schoenbrunn castle and the park are both declared as UNESCO cultural heritages.

Here you can see the Christmas Market in front of the palace :o)