Top 10 Amazing Facts about Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Palace, Vienna photo by Ank Kumar – Wikimedia commons

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg, located in the heart of Vienna, has been the seat of Austrian sovereignty for almost 700 years. The soaring white curve of Hofburg Palace is an astounding sight.

This historically colourful edifice in the heart of Vienna has undergone countless changes, with separate wings symbolizing different eras of Austrian history – dating back to the 13th century, when the palace was built as the residence of Austrian dukes.

When visiting Vienna, the Hofburg Palace is a must-see. It is the powerhouse of the Austrian empire, with a wealth of rich culture and history just waiting to be discovered. The Habsburg rulers transformed their imperial forum into one of the most opulent settings. It is among things to do during your visit to Austria.

There is a variety of museums, art galleries, and notable collections to explore. Here are the top 10 amazing facts about the palace.

1. Hofburg Palace was initially constructed during the Middle Ages

The Hofburg in Vienna photo by Salomon Kleiner – Wikimedia commons

Hofburg Palace has been the heart of power in Vienna since 1279, so naturally, it is rich with history that can’t be experienced anywhere else. The name, which translates as “Castle of the Court,” reflects the Middle Ages, when it was first built.

The palace was initially designed in the 13th century as the residence of the Dukes of Austria, and it grew over the ages as they rose to greater status.

2. It was originally constructed as a medieval castle

The Hofburg was originally a medieval castle built in the 13th century. The palace was refurbished and made into a sumptuous imperial palace with the expanding influence of the Habsburgs, who remained in it until 1918.

The castle chapel, where Masses are held every Sunday with the Vienna Boys’ Choir, contains remnants of the ancient castle.

Check out  the most beautiful Austrian castles to visit.

3. Hofburg Palace is more like a city than a palace

Hofburg Palace, Vienna photo by Ank Kumar – Wikimedia commons

The Hofburg resembles a city rather than a palace. There are 18 distinct wings here, each designed by a different world-class architect of the time. You can be amid baroque glory one minute and neo-classical austerity the next. There is only one constant. Everything is on a monumental scale.

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 a staggering 2,600 rooms.

The sprawling, asymmetric complex transformed it into an extensive palatial complex – encompassing a staggering 18 wings, 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms in which nearly 5,000 people still work and live today.

4. It was a residence for the Holy Roman Empire’s Habsburg emperors and kings

It served as the seat of the Habsburg kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire from 1438 to 1583, then again from 1612 to 1806, and then as the seat of the Emperors of Austria until 1918.

The Holy Roman Empire was a political entity in Western, Central, and Southern Europe that arose during the Early Middle Ages and lasted until the Napoleonic Wars in 1806.

5. Hofburg Palace was extended by each emperor through respective reigns

Hofburg Palace, Vienna photo by Ank Kumar – Wikimedia commons

The Hofburg, which began as a medieval walled castle in the 13th century, was expanded by each emperor. Since 1275, practically every Austrian emperor has ordered additions or renovations, producing a distinct architectural legacy.

As a result, Hofburg exhibits a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque to Rococo, with a dash of Classicism tossed in for good measure.

6. Hofburg Palace is divided into three main sections

The Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection are the three main sections of Hofburg Palace for tourists. Each of these zones can be explored independently, or all three can be combined into a longer visit.

7. The oldest part of Hofburg palace is the Royal Chapel

Hofburg, Vienna, Austria photo by Dietmar Rabich – Wikimedia commons

The Royal Chapel also known as ‘Burgkapelle’, which dates from the 13th century, is the oldest part of Hofburg Palace. It’s most notable as the home of the famed Vienna Boys’ Choir, which can be seen in action during Sunday mass services.

Every Sunday, the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs in this section – but it’s not the only place visitors can watch them. Visitors can book tickets to witness the Vienna Boys’ Choir perform at the Spanish Riding School for extra special performance. This stunning spectacle combines two of Vienna’s most distinctive activities and is sure to leave guests speechless.

8. Its silver collection features 7,000 items

The former Court Silver and Table Room, today the Silver Collection, is a unique collection of cultural and historical importance, comprising objects and items that were required for the court household and its organization.

At the end of the Habsburg monarchy, the court’s impressive silver collection became the property of the Austrian Republic. The museum’s exhibitions of luxury crystal glasses, silverware, porcelain and more provide insight into the extravagant dining culture of the former imperial dynasty.

Today the Silver Collection Museum gives visitors a fascinating insight into the culture of courtly dining in its various forms. The Silver Collection features 7,000 items – some of which measure up to 30 meters in length

9. Hofburg Palace hosts several numerous attractions

Imperial Apartments photo by Dennis Jarvis – Wikimedia commons

The Hofburg Palace complex is enormous, with public spaces such as the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Silver Collection. The Sisi Museum Honors Empress Elisabeth by displaying personal things from her life.

The royal complex includes the Café Hofburg, which is noted for its pastries. There are two palace gardens as well. The first is the Volksgarten, which includes the Theseus Temple and the Empress Elisabeth Monument, which is a memorial to Empress Sisi.

The second garden is the Burggarten, which was originally reserved for the imperial family’s private use. In front of the Hofburg Palace stands the famed Heldenplatz (Heroes Square), which contains statues of Archduke Charles of Austria and Emperor Franz Joseph.

The Hofburg entry lies right beneath the huge copper dome known as the Michaelerkuppel, which may be approached by the Machaelertor gate on the northeastern side of the palace on Michaelerplatz. Concerts, balls, and other events are held at the palace.

10. It currently serves as the official Austrian’s president residence

The Hofburg Imperial Palace, colloquially known as “the Hofburg,” is a large palace in Vienna that was owned by the Austro-Hungarian Habsburg Dynasty until 1918, when it belonged to the Austrian Republic. It is now a bustling network of museums, restaurants, halls, and the official residence of Austria’s President.