Belvedere Palace

Why the Belvedere Palace is special
This building complex in Vienna was the early 18th-century summer residence of the celebrated military commander Prince Eugene of Savoy. The architecture of its Upper Palace (see photo) is considered a fine example of Baroque architecture.

Top 2 must-see Belvedere Palace attractions
Upper Palace
Its art museum houses a collection of Gustav Klimt's paintings, including his world famous gold-rich "The Kiss" masterpiece. Some visitors visit the site just to see it. His Judith I work is also popular. Other famous Austrian artists represented include Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka.

Lower Palace
It sits opposite its upper neighbor (separated by the sizable formal garden) and was built six years earlier. And it's smaller, less visually striking. And it lacks the visitor-drawing power of The Kiss. But it and its nearby Stalls and Orangerie buildings have worth-seeing artwork.

Other attractions
They include the • Formal Garden (French style with fountains and sculptures) • Orangerie (greenhouse) • Stables (once held the prince's prime horses). The last two venues have been converted for exhibiting artworks.

More Belvedere Palace tips and insights
Name
Belvedere means "beautiful view" in English. The site overlooks old Vienna.

When to come
The formal garden is best appreciated from mid-spring to early-summer when it's ablaze with flowers.

Location in Austria